A Study to Determine the Knowledge, Attitude and Usage of Traditional (AYUSH) Systems of Medicine among the Students Seeking Admission to the Bachelor in Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) Course - Telangana, India

Abstract

AYUSH system of medicines consists of seven systems - Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa- Rigpa, and Homeopathy.1 Apart from these many other systems like, acupuncture, Chinese medicines, Chiropractic and osteopathic medicine, etc. are included under Complementary and Alternative medicines (CAM). In India, only the above-mentioned. AYUSH systems and educational courses related to these systems are considered under medical stream. AYUSH medicines though are popular among people, the knowledge regarding these systems in medical science and medical course is not evident. Hence this study is aimed to estimate the knowledge, attitude towards, and usage of AYUSH systems of medicine among the students seeking admission to the BHMS course. Materials and Methods: For this observational, cross-section study, a total of 132 students of both sexes, seeking admission to the BHMS course between October 2022 to May 2023, were selected by random sampling. A closed-ended, self-structured online questionnaire was used after validation and approval, to assess the knowledge, attitude towards and usage of the AYUSH system of medicines. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using MS EXCEL. Result: The study revealed that students had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards AYUSH systems. 74% of students had used AYUSH medicines at least once. 84% of students willingly joined the course. The most popular system was Homoeopathy, while no student was aware of Sowa-Rigpa as the system of medicine. Conclusion: This study concludes that the knowledge and attitude among the students seeking admission to the BHMS course, regarding Homoeopathy is good compared to other AYUSH systems. Keywords: Alternative; Complementary; AYUSH; Traditional; Attitude; Knowledge; Usage; BHMS