Exploring the Use of Herbal Treatments During Pregnancy Among Saudi Women: An application of the knowledge-attitude-practice model

OBJECTIVES: Herbal treatments are commonly used by Saudi women during pregnancy. However, the inappropriate use of some herbs can have side-effects for both the mother and the fetus. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of their use during pregnancy is crucial. This study aimed to explore the use of herbal treatments by Saudi women during pregnancy using the knowledge-attitude-practice model. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 and April 2020 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a convenience sample using an online Arabic-language questionnaire. Saudi women aged between 18–58 years who were pregnant or had been pregnant and were living in the Riyadh were included. RESULTS: A total of 400 individuals participated in this study. All participants lacked knowledge about the side-effects of herbal treatment but 63% knew about unsafe herbs in general. Most participants (66%) had a neutral attitude towards herbal treatments. Almost half of the participants (48%) did not use herbs during pregnancy and a similar number (47%) sometimes used herbal treatments during pregnancy. There was a significant positive correlation between attitude and practice and a negative correlation between knowledge and attitude as well as between knowledge and practice (P <0.0001 each). CONCLUSION: While the participants’ knowledge were generally poor, their attitudes and practices regarding the use of herbal treatments during pregnancy were good. It is recommended that more efforts be made by healthcare providers to target attitudes towards herbal treatments by providing accurate knowledge and reinforcing healthy practices among Saudi women.