Prevalence and factors associated with utilization of ayurvedic drugs during COVID-19. A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a major public health emergency. Ayurvedic medicines are not generally considered as conventional medicine. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of utilization of Ayurveda as prophylaxis for COVID-19 during the pandemic, factors associated with utilization, and willingness to use Ayurvedic medicines in future prospects.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in urban Bengaluru, India from April to May 2022. The sample size of the study was 427. Systematic random sampling was done and data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 38.9 (±14.08) years. The proportion of utilization of ayurvedic medicines was 22.5% (n = 96, 95% CI 18.6-26.7) and social class was significantly associated with non-utilization (p = 0.042). Among the utilizers, 66% of them used Ayurvedic medicines for prevention/post-COVID ailments. More than half (55%, 95% CI 49.7-59.4) of the individuals were willing to use Ayurvedic medicines in the future and level of education was associated with unwillingness (p=0.010).

Conclusion: Nearly three-fourth of the participants were not utilized Ayurvedic medicines during COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening ayurvedic services and improving awareness may increase the utilization in the community. An integrated health system approach at the policy level is pivotal in mainstreaming Ayurvedic medicines.