Exploring the use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study from Indonesia

Rauf, Mukhlis and Djabir, Yulia Yusrini and Rahim, Abdul and Tóth, Barbara and Bahar, M. Akbar (2025) Exploring the use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study from Indonesia. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE, 78. No.-102507. ISSN 1876-3820

Text Rauf_2025.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (706kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to therapies used alongside or in place of conventional medical care. CAM use during pregnancy has gained increasing attention, yet little is known about its patterns and determinants in Indonesia. This study aimed to explore CAM use among pregnant women, identify influencing factors, and assess potential herb-drug interactions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to November 2023 at a secondary hospital in Makassar, Indonesia. Pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years attending outpatient clinic were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, CAM and medication use, and perceptions of CAM. Potential herb-drug interactions were identified using the Indonesian Traditional Medicine Formulary and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Results: Of the 560 respondents, 52.3 % reported currently using CAM, with herbal medicines being the most commonly used modality. Factors significantly associated with CAM use included educational level (p=0.021), gestational age (p=0.016), prior CAM use (p<0.001), CAM use among family/friends (p<0.001), and concurrent prescribed medications (p=0.003). Twelve potential herb-drug interactions were identified: eight were classified as moderate and four as minor interactions. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CAM use among pregnant women highlights the need for healthcare providers to offer guidance on safe use and potential herb-drug interactions. © 2025

Actions (login required)

Edit Item