RESUMEN
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.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Current medical intervention of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) mainly includes hormonal therapies which have long-term health consequences. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural drug satapushpa (Anethum sowa Kurz.) powder with tilatailam (sesame oil) as anupanam (vehicle) in oligomenorrhoea associated with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-group, before and after intervention study in the outpatient department and inpatient department of Government Ayurveda teaching hospital for women and children was done among women aged 18-35 years. Individuals diagnosed with oligomenorrhoea for more than three consecutive menstrual cycles and fulfilling Rotterdam's criteria of PCOS were included. Six grams of powder was given morning and evening along with 12 ml of tilatailam for three months. Effectiveness was assessed at 3rd and 6th months. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were recruited; the mean (SD) age was 22.6 (3.9) years. Majority were students (86.7%), residing in urban areas (60%), and unmarried (80%). Almost one-third of the participants had kapha-vata prakriti. There was no significant change in menstrual duration and amount of bleeding. However, a significant reduction in the menstrual interval was observed after three months of treatment (p = <0.001). Similarly, the median interquartile range (IQR) volume of the right ovary was reduced from 10 (7.2-14.8) to 5.3 (4.7-7.6) cm3 (p=<0.001), and the median (IQR) volume of the left ovary reduced from 9.1 (6.7-11.9) to 5.1 (4.6-7.1) cm3 (p=<0.001). CONCLUSION: Treating PCOS using satapushpa powder and tilatailam for three months effectively regularizes the menstrual interval and reduces ovarian volume.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: As a mitigation measure for COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown was implemented in India for a period of 2 months (24 March-31 May 2020). Disruption in antenatal care (ANC) provisions during lockdown is expected due to diversion of public health facilities on pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To assess the proportion of pregnant women who had not completed the ideal number of antenatal visits, availability of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements and challenges in availing health services during the period of lockdown. METHODS: A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted among pregnant women in Puducherry, India. Information on obstetric characteristics and details regarding antenatal visits were collected through telephonic interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted to understand the perceived challenges in availing health services during the lockdown period. RESULTS: Out of 150 pregnant women, 62 [41.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 33.6-49.3] did not complete the ideal number of visits and 61 (40.7%, 95% CI 32.7-49.0) developed health problems. Out of 44 women who received medical care for health problems, 11 (25%) used teleconsultation. Of all the women, 13 (8.7%, 95% CI 4.9-14.0) had not taken the IFA supplements as prescribed by the health provider. Economic hardship, restricted mobility, lack of information about the health system changes and psychological stress due to the fear of COVID were the challenges in accessing care. CONCLUSIONS: Two out of five pregnant women did not complete the ideal number of visits and developed health problems during the lockdown period.