Non-Communicable Diseases And Use Of Traditional Herbal Medicines In Rural Areas.

Main Article Content

Dr. Naresh Vashist

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic diseases, do not spread from person to person, take a long time to develop and no symptoms in the early stages, require treatment for several years or life-long. NCDs are hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases like COPD, asthma, autoimmune diseases, some skin diseases etc. Traditional medicines are indigenous or folk medicine, comprise medical aspects of traditional knowledge. Therapeutic knowledge of Indian traditional medicine has propelled various traditional approaches which are of regional significance. WHO recognized scientifically validated traditional herbal medicines and noted that inappropriate use of traditional medicines is dangerous, needed to ascertain efficacy and safety. Medical pluralism is adopted by many patients, which should not be overlooked.


Objectives: Survey and analysis of non-communicable diseases and use of the traditional medicines, in rural areas.


Method: This is qualitative as well as quantitative research. It includes case study as well as survey method. A cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted, and subjects are conveniently recruited at institutional level and by visiting in different selected rural areas and by questionnaire. Sample techniques used, are random, probability sampling and non-probability sampling. Data is analyzed by digital glucometer, digital sphymagmometer and verified on the basis of American Medical Association guideline 2018.


Result:   Total persons investigated=2483, normal= 2029 (81.72%), diseased= 454 (18.28%), HTN=237 (9.54% of total and 52.20% of diseased), DM=113 (4.55% of total and 24.88% of diseased), Other NCDs= 104 (4.19% of total and 22.90% of total diseased), THM users only=107 (4.31% of total and 23.57% of diseased), AM users only= 140 (5.64% of total and 30.84% of diseased), both AM and THM users= 207 (8.33% of total and 45.59%).


Conclusion:  Patients of non-communicable diseases adopted dualistic approach of treatment in rural areas as compare to use only allopathic treatment or traditional medicines treatment and focused mainly on medical pluralism. 45.59% of patients adopted dualistic approach as compare to 30.84% of patients who approached allopathic medicines and 23.57% of patients who approached traditional medicines.

Article Details

Section
Articles