N (%) | Where substance obtained | Categories of type of substance | additional medical treatment received (N (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
13 (31%) | Traditional healer | Herbal mixtures of unknown content, ranging from 100 to 750 ml. One woman was given instruction to boil abrasive substance mixed with newspaper and swallow it with herbal mixture. | 5 (38.5%) | |
21 (50%)a | Home remedies purchased from chemist or shop | Herbal remedy (e.g. Stametta) | 7 (33%) | 8 (38%) |
Dutch remedies Haarlamans/Versterkdruppels/Essence of life Vornokroy Helmins drops Potassium permanganate | 12 (57%) 7 (33%) 2 (10%) 2 (10%) 1 (5%) | |||
Abrasive substances (e.g. steel wool mixed with oro crush) | 3 (14%) | |||
Laxatives (e.g. Castor Oil and Epsom salts) | 4 (19%) | |||
Household cleansing agents | 3 (14%)’ | |||
Bleach | 1 (5%) | |||
Ammonia based items (e.g. Handy Andy and Jeyes Fluid) | 2 (10%) | |||
Alcohol (e.g. Brandy and Stout) | 4 (19%) | |||
Miscellaneous tablets ARV medication Hypertension medication Zifozonke | 4 (19%) 1 (5%) 1 (5%) 2 (10%) | |||
7 (17%) | Illegal provider | Miscellaneous tablets of varying shape, size and color (likely misoprostol) | 2 (28.6%) |