Preprint / Version 1

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Non-Communicable Disease: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study at AYUSH Set-Ups of Krishna and Darjeeling District, India

Authors

  • Roja Varanasi aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, India
  • Debadatta Nayak aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, India
  • Arvind Kumar aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, India
  • Gurudev Choubey bClinical Research Unit (Homoeopathy), Siliguri, India
  • Raveendar Chinta cRegional Research Institute(H), Dr. GGH Medial College Campus, Gudivada, India
  • Praveen Oberai aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, India
  • Anil Khurana aCentral Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, India

Keywords:

AYUSH, COVID-19, AYUSH immune boosters, India, Non-communicable diseases

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 in patients suffering from NCDs in terms of their knowledge, awareness, perception about COVID-19, use of AYUSH immune boosters (AIB), and management of chronic condition during the pandemic. Method During the unlock down period (October 2020), a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Krishna and Darjeeling district of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, India. 499 individuals suffering from at least one chronic disease were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics, AIB, and morbidity with pandemic-related care challenges. Principal component analysis was applied to minimize the dimensionality of factors related to COVID care challenges. Results 499 individuals were surveyed. 91% identified at least three correct COVID appropriate behaviours. 92.2% considered the coronavirus to be a potential threat (mean ± SD: 5.8 ± 2.6). 44.7% and 55.3% lived with one and 2 or more chronic conditions, respectively. Hypertension alone (27.4%) and diabetes with hypertension (33%) were leading presentations. Out of 499, participants, 88.8% had at least one form of AIB. 52% took Ars. alb. with other AIB and 40% took Ars. alb. alone. Only 9 participants were infected with COVID-19. Conclusion In the interest of a densely populated country like India, the inclusion of simple and safe AYUSH measures is realistic, ethical, and cost-effective. AYUSH interventions as COVID-19 prophylactic and treatment as well as integrative care of chronic illnesses such as NCDs are suggested. Keywords: AYUSH, COVID-19, AYUSH immune boosters, India, Non-communicable diseases

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