Survey of plants used by traditional birth attendants (TBAS) in Southwest Nigeria

Medicinal plants are the primary source of medicines used by Traditional Birth Attendants in Nigeria. Several medicinal plants of global importance originate in the country. 85% of the population make use of traditional medicine (2, 3). The National Demographic and Health Surveys Report (NDS, 1999) indicate that only 37% of births take place in conventional health centers or hospitals. The purpose of the study is to document the common plants used by Traditional Birth Attendants in Southwest Nigeria. This is to assist the government formulate policies that will to document, regulate and promote the practice. 300 questionnaires were distributed to TBAs in the South Western geographical zones of Nigeria comprising Oyo, Ondo and Lagos States. 68% of the respondents were women while 32% were men. 41% do not refer cases but adhere to strict traditional methods by making use of plants. The later group may not want to refer their cases because of the unhealthy working conditions that exist between them and the orthodox doctors. (4). The type of method or medicinal plant used is related to the symptoms observed (1). This also reveals one of the deficiencies of traditional birth attendants as the method of diagnosis is not adequate in most cases although they enjoy increasing popularity. The herbs used by the practitioners include: Carica papaya, Bilighia safida, Afromomum melegueta.

References: [1] Carpenter et al. (1995): World Health Forum: 198–199. [2] WHO traditional medicine strategy 2002–2005 Geneva, World Health Organization, 2002 (WHO/EDM/TRM 2002. (1). [3] WHO report on traditional medicine, my documents/WHO traditional medicine.htm 15/06/2006. [4] Wirth DP (1995): J. Social Science Medicine; 249–60.