A Cross-sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Ayurveda Fraternity in the Management of Viral Infections of Respiratory Tract w.s.r. to Pranavaha Sroto Vikara on the Backdrop of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The world has been witnessing threats due to different types of viral infections of respiratory system like the recent coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Unfortunately, the conventional system of medicine has not come up with a successful strategy for the management of cases or for effective prevention. The development of a successful drug or novel vaccine is imperative at this stage of the outbreak and numerous research activities are underway. Ayurveda has legacy in the prevention and management of different types of diseases including viral infections, but with little documented evidence. In this study, Ayurveda physicians knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward the management of viral respiratory infections using a self-developed online KAP questionnaire having 28 questions was assessed. Six hundred and three Ayurveda physicians all over India across different affiliation and practice settings participated in the survey with a 65% response rate. Majority of respondents (73.4%) manage different types of viral infections and 85.3% positively responded to the involvement of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in viral respiratory infections. Nearly all the participants (98%) confirm the involvement of Pranavaha Srotas in the pathogenesis and 73% confirm the role of Agni also. The viral respiratory infections of respiratory tract are correlated mainly to Jvara, Shvasa, Kasa, and Agantu Roga. 79.43% physicians positively responded to the involvement of diet and regimens in the management of viral diseases. Sixty-six percent of the respondents manage such infections in line of Jvara, while 96.28% recommends that there is a definite role of Rasayana drugs and formulations in the management. Among the line of treatment suggested in the management of COVID-19 like illness, Jvarahara, and immune-modulation were the most recommended ones. Ayurveda manages various novel infections by its customized strategies ranging from prevention and therapeutic intervention. Ayurveda uses different seasonal and daily regimens; Rasayanas, suitable Shamana, and Shodhana interventions are selected based on different assessments to evaluate various aspects of disease and specific attributes of the patient. Systematic documentation and evidence generation may shed light on the importance of Ayurveda in combating novel infections of the present and future.