SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF THE USE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MALARIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN KURMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE

Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, contributing to maternal morbidity and adverse fetal outcomes (Jampa, & Umaru, 2026). This study assessed the socio-demographic predictors of traditional medicine use for malaria treatment among pregnant women in Kurmi Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected from 385 pregnant women using structured questionnaires, Respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics were summarized, and associations between potential predictors and traditional medicine use were tested using inferential statistics and logistic regression. Traditional medicine use for malaria treatment was highly prevalent: 303 (78.7%) reported using it, compared with 82 (21.3%), Distance to health facilities showed a significant association with traditional medicine use (χ² = 8.763, p = 0.033). Perceived treatment cost/affordability was also significantly associated (χ² = 8.582, p = 0.035). Waiting time at health facilities and healthcare workers’ attitude were not significantly associated. Among socio-demographic factors, educational status was not significant (χ² = 2.994, p = 0.393), while family income was significant (χ² = 11.505, p = 0.009). Cultural beliefs were not significant (χ² = 3.206, p = 0.201), and logistic regression indicated a positive but non-significant effect (B = 0.168, OR = 1.183, p = 0.417). Traditional medicine use is common and is mainly influenced by structural and economic accessibility especially distance and cost. Strengthening antenatal education and improving affordable formal malaria care, alongside culturally sensitive disclosure-support strategies, is recommended to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.