Use of plant-based medicines for suspected childhood malaria in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: prevalence and associated factors

Despite the widespread availability of recommended conventional antimalarials, many caregivers continue to use plant-based medicines (PBM) for suspected childhood malaria, either as alternatives or alongside conventional treatments. This study therefore assessed the use of PBM and the sociodemographic factors associated with such use among caregivers of children aged ≤ 12 years. A cross-sectional study involving 265 female caregivers of children aged ≤ 12 years was conducted in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana, using convenience sampling and a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to examine associations between variables and PBM use. Fever and vomiting were the caregivers’ most common symptoms prompting suspicion of malaria. Hospitals were the preferred primary healthcare facility for suspected childhood malaria for 77.6% of caregivers. However, 37.3% reported ever using PBM as a first-line treatment. The most frequently cited antimalarial plants were Azadirachta indica (18.7%), Carica papaya (16.5%), Psidium guajava (14.3%), Senna occidentalis (10.0%), and Mangifera indica (9.6%). Low household income (AOR = 9.449; 95% CI: 1.185–75.354; p = 0.034) and having more than two children under five years (AOR = 7.905; 95% CI: 1.384–45.162; p = 0.020) were significantly associated with PBM use. Caregivers use multiple treatment approaches, including PBM, for suspected childhood malaria, with lower household income and having more than two children under five years associated with PBM use.