Prevalence and Determinants of Herbal Medicine Use among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Kano State, North West Nigeria

Background: The use of herbal medicines during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, given the potential for herb-drug interactions, teratogenicity, and delayed hospital care. Northern Nigeria, with its rich traditional medicine heritage, presents a unique context for studying such practices. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicine use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Kano State. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 320 pregnant women recruited from four public antenatal clinics in Kano metropolis. A validated interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, herbal product use, knowledge of safety, and disclosure to healthcare providers. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: The prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy was 54.7 percent. The most commonly used preparations included ginger concoctions, black seed oil, and unspecified root infusions. Key determinants included lower educational attainment, multiparity, cultural beliefs, and recommendations by family members. Only 18 percent of users disclosed herbal use to their attending clinician. Conclusion: Herbal medicine use is common among pregnant women in Kano and is often undisclosed to healthcare providers. There is need for culturally sensitive communication strategies to promote disclosure and ensure maternal safety. Keywords: herbal medicine, pregnancy, antenatal care, Kano, traditional medicine