Perceived effectiveness of Curcuma longa (turmeric) as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19 symptoms based on Leventhal’s theory among selected residents in Masbate, Bicol region

Abstract

A patient's immune status plays an essential role in COVID-19 infection. Different alternative medicines arise, along with the increasing number of patients experiencing the symptoms, considering the limited supply of medication against COVID-19. Non-pharmacological and self-care options were actively pursued by the number of people interested in improving and modifying their healthy lifestyle by using medicinal plants such as the Curcuma longa (turmeric) as an adjunct therapy and prevention option for the illness. In line with this, Leventhal's theory of Common Sense Self-Regulation proposes that people practice emotional and cognitive representations of illness, which serve as the main factors of health behaviors to prevent and manage the disease. With this, individuals' perceptions about COVID-19 will be pertinent to precluding or adjusting to the ailment. Furthermore, Masbate, Bicol region traditional health knowledge is abundant. The use of medicinal plants as first-aid such as colds, fevers, and flu is widespread in Masbate. This study aims to determine the perceived effectiveness of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19 symptoms based on Leventhal's Theory among selected residents in Masbate, Bicol region. The study utilizes a Descriptive-Quantitative approach using the questionnaire made by the researchers with the combination of the Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire and distributed with the respondents by convenience sampling, snowball sampling, and an actual interview. The pilot test highlighted the reliability of reports as the indicator significantly associated with the respondents' level of satisfaction on the utilization of Curcuma longa (Turmeric).