Perception and preference of health care providers regarding protective role of immunity boosters against Covid -19

Abstract

Covid -19 caused by a virus to which the people with low immunity response are being affected. Immune boosters play a vital role in protecting human being from various infective organism. The immune boosters include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics etc. Indian Government gave emphasis on improving immunity in March 2020. At That time many people started using immunity booster agents. : To study perception and preference of medical teachers about immunity booster agents against Covid -19. A questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted among medical teachers. Questionnaire was framed in Google form and circulated in social media.Data was noted from excel sheet derived through google form and results were calculated in frequency and percentage, mean &SD. 78% participants were aware about immune boosting agents in initial period of Covid and highest used immune booster agent was Kadha (98%). Participant opined that source of information during this Covid period were Government & WHO guidelines (15%), TV/ newspaper (50%) and social media (41%). Most preferred and convenient to take immunity booster agent was fruits (67%). Reason for high search and use of immunity boosters is that in initial stage of Covid- 19 pandemic, there was theat to life especially in first and second wave of Covid. Along with immune boosters, diet, sleep, exercise and stress reduction are some of the most recommended measures. In present study highest used immune booster agent was Kadha. Allopathic, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicine were used as immunity booster agent.