Preprint / Version 1

Practice, prescription habits, experience and perception of Indian homeopathic practitioners in treatment of diabetes mellitus: An online observational study

Authors

  • Roja Varanasi aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhartiya Chikitsa Avum Homoeopathy Anusandhan Bhawan, 61-65, Institutional Area, Opposite D-Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110058, India
  • Amit Srivastava bRegional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, (Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi), New Checkon, Opposite Tribal Colony, Imphal East, Manipur 795001, India
  • Shaji RT aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhartiya Chikitsa Avum Homoeopathy Anusandhan Bhawan, 61-65, Institutional Area, Opposite D-Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110058, India
  • Renu Bala bRegional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, (Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi), New Checkon, Opposite Tribal Colony, Imphal East, Manipur 795001, India

Keywords:

Diabetes mellitus, Homeopathy, Prescription, Professional competence, Practice patterns, Physicians

Abstract

Studies have shown homoeopathy to effectively control blood sugar levels and improve quality of life (QOL), though a standard treatment protocol is required. Objective This study intended to assess the homoeopathic practice, prescription habits, experience, and perception of Indian Homeopathic Practitioners (HPs) in treating DM. Methodology A web-based cross-sectional with a snowball sampling method was conducted between 30th July 2021 and 18th August 2021. A questionnaire to record clinical attributes of Indian HPs in the management of DM was formed after the consensus of the subject experts and pilot testing for feasibility. Results Participants were 513 HPs with mean age [Standard Deviation (SD)] of 40.44 years (11.16) and a mean duration of the homoeopathic medical practice of 14.67 years [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 13.71–15.63]. The majority of HPs made classical homoeopathic prescription (201, 39.2%) though the success in the management of DM was better among HPs who prescribed more than one potentized medicine [vs classical prescription, Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.34, p = 0.032]. As perceived by the HPs, homoeopathic treatment resulted in a major improvement in QOL of the diabetic patients (418, 81.5%) with very few adverse effect (100, 19.5%). The blood sugar level was controlled better when homoeopathy was given alongside conventional medicine (348, 67.8%). Conclusion The clinical experience of HPs in this study has shown that homoeopathic treatment can benefit DM patients in preventing complications and improving QOL. It further reported that homoeopathy can be an important adjuvant to conventional treatment in managing DM. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Homeopathy, Prescription, Professional competence, Practice patterns, Physicians

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