A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge Attitude and Practices about Alternate Medicine use in Covid-19/Dengue in Rural village, Tamilnadu

Abstract

Background: Many who moved away from alternate medicines towards modern medicine are now resuming their way back alternate medicine, mainly due to different assumptions and beliefs. Though 70 % of the population in India primarily use alternate medicines, research is lacking. The attitude and behavior of the patients towards alternate medicines is of great concern for regulators and policy makers. In rural villages of Tamilnadu, there is extensive use of Nilavembu Kudineer during Dengue Outbreak and of Kabasura Kudineer in COVID-19 scenario. This study aims to assess the individual’s knowledge, attitude and practices about alternate medicine especially Nilavembu and Kabasura Kudineer in rural villages of Namakkal District, Tamilnadu.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 persons in rural village using multistage random sampling and data collected using pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and results were analyzed in SPSS version 16 using chi-square test.
Results: 65% of the respondents had consumed some form of alternate medicine. Knowledge, attitude and Practice concerning the different available alternative medicines, in particular, Nilavembu and Kabasura Kudineer and their ideal dose, contraindications and preparation were relatively small [33%]. Gender, family type, occupation and socio-economic class were not significant and Conversely Respondents Belief in Alternative Medicine, Previous family history of Dengue/Covid-19, Point of Health Contact, and Education were all significant in our study.
Conclusion: The results indicate a need to conduct awareness programs by AYUSH Ministry on alternate medicines in order to ensure safe usage of alternate medicines