A qualitative exploration of the norms and intentions of nurses toward the clinical use of herbal medicine in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the norms and intentions of nurses towards the clinical use of herbal medicine.

Method: Information on nurses' demographics, norms and intentions was gathered through individual face-to-face interviews. Interviews were analysed using the process of content analysis.

Results: Beliefs of the nurses and motivational factors formed their norms. The nurses believed herbal medicine was God-given and was used by their ancestors with good outcomes. Some were self-motivated to serve herbal medicine while others counted on patient's recovery upon the use of herbal medicine to motivate them. Positive and negative intentions were discovered; thus, preparedness and unpreparedness to serve herbal medicine in the future.

Conclusions: Though some nurses believe herbal medicine is God-given, used by their ancestors and motivated to serve, others were unwilling because of inadequate training. Training of professional nurses on herbal medicine may improve their negative intentions.

Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); Herbal medicine; Intentions; Norms; Nurses; Qualitative.