Consumption of Herbs and the Association with Morbidity Among Women in Embakasi Sub County, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Author(s): Halima Osman, Peter Chege, Winfreda Nyamota

Herbs have been used as an alternate form of treatment amidst the advent of orthodox therapies for health care. They are used as wellspring of potent remedies and have become an intrinsic part of various autochthonic cultures around the world. World Health Organization indicates that 80% of rural populations residing in developing countries rely on herbal remedies alongside conventional medicine. There are minimal researches on use of herbal medicine and how they relate to morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the use of herbs and the relationship to morbidity status among women in Embakasi sub county, Nairobi City County, Kenya. A cross-sectional analytical design with a focus on both quantitative and qualitative approach were used among 383 respondents. Multistage sampling technique was used in this study for respondent’s identification. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Proportions, means and standard deviations were used to describe the dataset. Chi-square test was used for relationships and logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios while controlling for confounding variables at 0.05 level of significance. Qualitative data was transcribed, translated, coded into themes. Findings indicated that most of the women participating in the study have used herbs for six to ten years, for the management of disease symptoms and to improve the quality of food; with onion, cinnamon, garlic, and mint being the most commonly used types of herbs. A majority of the participating women were knowledgeable about herbs in terms of their usage, and benefits; having derived the information from a variety of sources including the media, peers, and hospital professionals. Majority of the women in Embakasi Sub-County had no morbidities during the study or in the two weeks leading up to the study. The study recommends sensitization on use of herbs especially not to replace conventional medicine and issues of dosage.