Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the use of local herbs in labor augmentation among pregnant
women at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in Hoima City, Western Uganda. The research
was a descriptive retrospective study, focusing on participants' knowledge and exposure to
herbs. The majority of participants were Catholics and Protestants, with 32.8% and 27.4%
being full-time employees. The majority were secondary level participants. The majority of
participants (93.6%) were aware of herbs used in labor augmentation, with 51.2% learning
about them from friends and family and 32.2% from radios. Most participants had used herbs
during labor, with herb shops being the most common source. Many participants reported
no side effects and used herbs in powder. Local administration was the most common route.
The study found a significant association between knowledge, attitude, and caretaker
support with the use of local herbs in labor augmentation. The government's investment in
health sensitization could potentially reduce the use of local herbs in labor augmentation.