PREGNANT WOMEN USE OF TERATOGENIC PLANTS IN MOROCCO: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
PREGNANT WOMEN USE OF TERATOGENIC PLANTS IN MOROCCO: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Summary/Abstract: Objectives. Congenital malformations originate from the genetic constitution of the embryo or from an extrinsic defect during its in-utero development. The most common causes of congenital anomalies are teratogenic agents, specifically the teratogenic plants (TP). In this context, we undertook a cross-sectional study in order to assess the prevalence of TP usage by pregnant women before and during pregnancy in Morocco. Material and methods. This study was conducted in seven health facilities providing ante-natal care in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, central Morocco. The study focused on a population of pregnant women (N=624) in their last trimester of pregnancy, spanning a four-months period from February 1 to May 30, 2022. Results. In total, 13 different TP were identified. 92% of pregnant women reported that they were used with TP before pregnancy, this percentage decreased to 75% during pregnancy. For newborns after childbirth, stillbirth represents 0.7% of pregnancies. Furthermore, there were 17 newborns (2.8%) affected. The use of TP during pregnancy showed a significant association with the economic level of pregnant women (p < .05), medical insurance (p < .05), parity (p < .05), the type of pregnancy (programmed or not) (p < .05), and stillbirth (p < .05). Furthermore, a knowledge gap and dangerous practices related to TP were detected among participants. Conclusions. This study reveals high prevalence of TP used just before and during pregnancy which present a danger to the health of mothers and their newborns, requiring an urgent action to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of these TP.

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