| Description |
A sample population was drawn from all women in the state of Utah who delivered live births between January 1 and November 1, 1981 to examine herbal practices followed during pregnancy, parturition and six weeks following delivery. Spoerke (1980) provided the foundation regarding herb use, mode of action, and toxicity of many of the herbs cited in the study. Areas which were assessed included specific herbs utilized; frequency, method, time, purpose and perceived efficacy of the herb used; and educational sources utilized by the respondents . The instrument used was a questionnaire designed by the researcher. Data received were in nominal form. Frequency distribution, percentage, mean and chi square were the statistics used in the analysis. One-fourth of the respondents returning the questionnaire reported use of herbs. No association was found between herb use and age, educational level, or residence in a rural or urban county. No conclusions could be drawn regarding the association between marital status, religious preference, race, or prenatal/obstetrical care provider because of sampling methods and size. The highest incidence of herb usage was during pregnancy; relatively few herbs were used during the six weeks following delivery; and no herbs were utilized during parturition. Average number of herbs used per respondent during pregnancy was three. During the six weeks following delivery, each of eight respondents used one herb, and one respondent used seven. Frequency of herb use ranged from one to 120 times per month. The educational source considered most important by the respondents was LDS friends and relatives. Replication of the research utilizing a larger stratified sample is recommended in order to obtain a more accurate view of herb use during pregnancy, parturition, and six weeks following delivery. Actual knowledge of herbs needs to be established in both the lay and health care professional populations. Empirical investigations should be conducted to ascertain effects of herb use upon the fetus. |
