PROPHYLACTIC USE OF ALLOPATHIC, COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) FOR COVID-19: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY AMONG MEDICAL POST-GRADUATES OF TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITALS, GUJARAT

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 infection was declared a global pandemic and public health emergency by WHO. In order to avoid getting infected with the virus, various preventive measures were followed including prophylactic medicine, particularly among health care professional working with patients. The current study aimed to evaluate pattern of prophylactic medicines consumed by post graduate doctors for prevention of COVID-19 infection. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among the post graduate resident doctors (1st year to 4th year) of various medical specialties working in COVID-19 at various tertiary care teaching hospitals across Gujarat. A questionnaire regarding prophylactic use of medicine was communicated through online tool. Results: Of 311 respondents, mean age was 28±2 years and male to female ratio was 0.94. 8% participants have history of recurrent respiratory infection. Out of 311 participants 233 (74.91%) consumed prophylaxis. Most commonly consumed prophylactic medicine was of allopathy (64%) followed by Complementary & alternative medicine and home remedies (63.02%). Vitamin C (56.27%), Multivitamins (33.11%), Zinc (27%), Azithromycin (21.86%), Hydroxychloroquine (16.72%) were most frequently consumed allopathic medicines. Turmeric (53.06%), Ayurvedic kadha (44.38%), lemon (43.36%) were frequently consumed CAM and home remedies. 20 participants reported Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in which common ADRs nausea (65%) and Diarrhea (50%). 59.16 % participants developed COVID-19 out of 51.63 % participants had COVID-19 after taking prophylaxis. Occurrence of COVID-19 infection among post-Graduate doctors was not signicantly associated with prophylactic use of medicine. Conclusion: Vitamins, zinc, azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine (allopathic medicines) and turmeric and ayurvedic kadha (CAM) were commonly used prophylactic medicines. Occurrence of COVID-19 infection was not signicantly associated with intake of prophylactic medicine