The Problem of Traditional African Pharmacopoeia in Obstetrics: Use of Plants for Utero-Tonic Purposes and Materno-Fetal Outcome in Douala (Cameroon) ()
Author(s)
Essome Henri1,2*,
Mve Koh Valere3,4,
Nana Njamen Theophile5,6,
Boten Merlin2,
Ekono Michel Roger1,
Penda Ida Calixte1,2,
Tocki Toutou Grâce2,
Halle Ekane Gregory5,6,
Foumane Pascal3,7,
Mboudou Emile Telesphore3,8
Affiliation(s)
1Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Douala, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
2Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
3Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of Yaounde, University of Yaounde, Cameroon.
4Yaoundé Teaching Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon.
5Faculty of Health Sciences of Buea, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
6Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
7Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatric Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon.
8Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The use of traditional preparations for the induction or acceleration of
labor remains a common practice in our country in particular and in Africa in
general with sometimes derogatory outcomes for the mother and the fetus. Goal: The objective was to assess immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes in
women who reported having used the traditional pharmacopoeia for utero-tonic
purposes. Methodology: We conducted a multi-centric cross- sectional
study with prospective data collection in the maternities of the Laquintinie
Hospital, Bonassama District and Nylon Hospitals. It took place over a period
of seven months, from 1st October 2016 to 31st April 2017. This included all
women who reported having used the unconventional pharmacopoeia for utero-tonic purposes before or after contractions started.
The student and Chi-square tests were interpreted at the statistical threshold of 5% and the
95% confidence intervals. Results: We recruited 168 cases, 68.5% of the
245 women interviewed. The mean age was 27.1 ± 0.41 years; 55% of
our respondents had a secondary level of education; 80% of them were admitted at term and 43% were
multiparous. Nulliparity predisposed to traditional pharmacopoeia use (RR =
1.55, CI = 0.79 - 3.03) but primiparity reduced this risk (RR = 0.4, CI = 0.24 - 0.926).
Stimulation of labor was the first indication in 85% of women, the rectal
evacuation enema was the main route used (67%). The majority of plants used
were those of the families Asteraceae, Anthericaceae,
and Malvaceae. In per partum, 42% had a brilliant dilatation; there was
a statistically significant association between the occurrence of dynamic dystocia (CI = 0.28 - 1.54, p = 0.006) and the risk of perineal tear (RR = 3.13, CI = 1.68 - 5.85; p = 0.007). The APGAR score at 5 min of life was less than 7 in 64%
of cases (p = 0.027). The caesarean section rate was 69%. Conclusion: Traditional
products with uterotonic effects are frequently used and unregulated with its
corollary of materno-fetal complications.
Share and Cite:
Henri, E. , Valere, M. , Theophile, N. , Merlin, B. , Roger, E. , Calixte, P. , Grâce, T. , Gregory, H. , Pascal, F. and Telesphore, M. (2019) The Problem of Traditional African Pharmacopoeia in Obstetrics: Use of Plants for Utero-Tonic Purposes and Materno-Fetal Outcome in Douala (Cameroon).
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
9, 1464-1476. doi:
10.4236/ojog.2019.911142.
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