Prevalence and Related Factors of Chinese Herbal Medicine Use in Pregnant Women of Taipei, 1985-1987

Objectives: The use of herbal medicines during pregnancy is becoming fashionable. The purpose of this study is to explore the prevalence and related factors of pregnant women using Chinese herbal medicines in Taipei. Methods: During 1985-87, a total of 10,756 pregnant women with 26 or more weeks of gestation who came to the Taipei Municipal Maternal and Child Hospital for prenatal care, were interviewed by trained interviewers using structured questionnaires to obtain detailed information. Multiple logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios of the dichotomous outcomes such as Chinese herbal medicines, medicines and supplements during different time periods. Results: The use of at least one herbal medicine was 6.9% before pregnancy and 42.3% during pregnancy. Before pregnancy, women used significantly more Chinese herbal medicines associated with lower family incomes, primipara, gynecological diseases, and irregular cycles of menstruation. During pregnancy, pregnant women with characteristics of lower education, a non-professional job, previous spontaneous or induced abortion or stillbirth, and women carried HBsAg virus tended to use Chinese herbal medicines. Conclusions: This mid-1980s survey showed that Chinese herbal medicines were frequently used before and during pregnancy in Taipei women, especially among those with low socio-economic levels. It deserves future studies to clarify their potential health effects on fetuses and enquire about such habits during prenatal care.