A Cross-Sectional Study of Herbal Medicine Utilization prevalence and Perceptions Among Diabetic Patients: Implications for Healthcare Integration in Weija-Gbawe Municipality, Ghana.

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with increasing global prevalence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite advances in conventional pharmacological management, a significant proportion of patients seek complementary treatment in the form of herbal medication. Understanding the extent of herbal medicine use and the attitudes patients hold toward it is essential for informing healthcare policy and patient counselling in Ghana. This study aimed to (i) determine the proportion of diabetic patients who use herbal medication, and (ii) determine the perceptions of patients toward herbal medication use, within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Methods A hospital-based, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted between September and October 2021 at the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital. Using simple random sampling, 200 diabetic patients aged 18 to 65 years were recruited and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed descriptively using IBM SPSS Statistics version 11.0, with findings presented as frequencies and percentages. Results Of 200 respondents, 98.0% reported awareness of herbal medication, and 55.5% (n = 111) had used herbal medicine at some point during their diagnosis. Regarding perceptions, 79.0% agreed that herbal medicine was cheap, and 66.5% considered it easily accessible. A majority (56.5%) agreed that herbal medicine was effective, while 38.0% disagreed. Opinion was divided on the questions of safety compared to orthodox medicine and on concurrent use with conventional drugs. Conclusion Herbal medicine use is prevalent among diabetic patients in Weija-Gbawe Municipality, with high levels of awareness and generally positive perceptions regarding cost and accessibility. Mixed views on efficacy, safety, and concurrent use signal a need for structured patient education, rigorous clinical research, and consideration of integrative healthcare policy in Ghana.