Determining Perception and Predilection for Ayurveda versus Allopathy amongst Educated Individuals Studying and Practising Allopathy at Different Levels

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurvedic preparations are typically based on complex herbal compounds, minerals, and metal substances. Up to 80% people in India use Ayurveda exclusively or combined with conventional Western medicine. The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is a recent global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On 5th May 2023, WHO declared end of COVID-19 as PHEIC. As of 24th May 2023, the pandemic had caused more than 766 million confirmed cases and over 6.9 million deaths globally, making it one of the deadliest in history. It is necessary that the scientific community must draw on pluralistic knowledge systems available globally to strengthen the immune system and reduce dependence on any one system of medicine. It is time for us to strengthen our trust and belief in our age-old tradition and knowledge of Ayurveda. This study was planned to determine use of Ayurvedic medicines and associated beliefs of educated individuals studying and practicing allopathy at different levels. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study amongst students pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Medical and Paramedical staff using an online questionnaire created using Google Forms. A total 229 respondent data were included in the study. The obtained information was summarised using Microsoft Excel and presented as percentages. The parameters that were studied were gender and age distribution of study subjects; preferred system of medicine for major ailments; reason for preferring allopathic medicine over ayurvedic medicine, rationale for rising credence of Ayurveda in COVID and post-COVID era; common perceptions regarding Ayurvedic medicines.Results: Most of our subjects were 18 to 35 years of age (176, 76.9%). One-third of the study subjects (77, 33.6%) preferred Ayurveda as the science for medical treatment. Ayurvedic treatment was preferred for gastro-intestinal and liver diseases. The rationale sought by study subjects for rising credence of Ayurveda during the COVID and post-COVID era were fewer side effects, ease of availability, and cost-effectiveness. Conclusion: COVID-19 has rekindled the belief and knowledge of people in Ayurveda. Predilection is to use ayurvedic and allopathic medicines together rather than Ayurveda alone and still people resort to allopathy to tide over acute conditions and immediate crisis.