Herbal medicine practice in Ghana: A cross-sectional study to understand the factors influencing patient utilization of herbal medicine services

Abstract

The practice of herbal medicine is the most prevalent form of traditional medicine or complementary and alternative medicine utilized in many countries across the globe. This study assesses the factors influencing the use and preference for herbal medicines compared to orthodox medicines among clients visiting some selected herbal units in the Kumasi Metropolis operating under the Ghana Health Service. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Primary data was collected from 413 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. Convenience sampling technique were used to select the participants. Results indicated that 80.90 % of the respondents interviewed preferred herbal medicines to orthodox medicines. Factors influencing this preference were occupation, nature/severity of condition and cost of certified herbal drugs dispensed at the herbal unit. Also, respondents sought the services of the herbal unit for conditions which orthodox treatment outcomes are poor. The overall cost of certified herbal products prescribed at these units were considered as affordable by participants. Herbal medicine is preferred compared to orthodox medicine by patients utilizing the services of the herbal unit at government hospitals within Kumasi Metropolis.