The Use of Complementary Medicine During Childbearing Years: A Multi-Country Study of Women From the Middle East
Global Qualitative Nursing Research – January 10, 2022
Source: DOAJ
Summary
Many women in the Middle East turn to herbal remedies for relief during menstruation and pregnancy. A study involving 70 participants from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran revealed that while herbs are widely embraced for their perceived safety and effectiveness, less common practices like acupuncture and meditation were rarely utilized. Cultural beliefs significantly influence this reliance on herbal medicine, highlighting both its popularity and the need for awareness regarding potential risks associated with self-medication.
Abstract
The prevalence of self-prescribed complementary medicine (CM) use is an area of concern across the Middle East. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study to describe women’s use of CM during their childbearing years in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The study conducted using face to face audio-recorded interviews with 70 participants. Our findings showed that women used several herbal plants to ease pain and discomfort during menstruation and/or during pregnancy and in postpartum care. Acupuncture, meditation, and massage were less likely to be used by women. The impact of CM was often described in relation to perceived usefulness and safety of herbs. Cultural beliefs and roles of women contributed to the use of herbs among women. Given the high use of herbal medicine, there is a need for discussion about the potential of adverse effects of some plants or their metabolites following self-medication during the childbearing years.