Assessment of the awareness and usage of herbal medicine in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the awareness and usage of herbal medicine in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo state. Two stage sampling technique was used to randomly select 200 respondents Primary data needed for the study were collected through the administration of questionnaires .Descriptive statistics (such as frequency, table, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson product moment correlation analysis) were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that 94% of residents in Ibadan metropolis have an understanding that herbal medicine is made from plant. Majority (51.5%) come to know of herbal medicine they are using/have used through family members. 75.5% of the respondents use herbal medicine for treating illness. The study revealed a high awareness and usage of herbal medicine among respondents. (Df= 198, N= 200, r= .593*, P < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between awareness and the use of herbal medicine among respondents in Ibadan metropolis. It was recommended that healthcare providers should be conversant with the commonly used herbs for the treatment of illnesses, so as to equip and counsel their patients appropriately for best care and safety.

Keywords: Assessing, Herbal, Medicine Usage