Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF SELF SIDDHA MEDICATION IN PAEDIATRIC POPULATION (5-12 YEARS) IN RURAL AREAS OF VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT, TAMILNADU- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

N. Archana*, M. Meenakshi Sundaram and R. Meenakumari

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Abstract

Background: For health authorities, particularly in developing nations like India, unprescribed medication is a major concern. Access to information regarding medications and illnesses is really easy in this age of the internet, which is now popular. The main issues with selfmedication include resource waste, increasing pathogenic resistance, dangerous reactions, and prolonged suffering. Siddha medicines are being used much more frequently as a result of the current COVID pandemic. In 2013, the WHO launched the "WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023," which aimed to combine traditional and complementary medicine to enhance global healthcare. This move was made in response to the growing importance of alternative medicines. According to the WHO, 80% of the world's population still uses conventional pharmaceuticals for medical needs Due to lifestyle changes and a population that can no longer afford allopathic medication, the usage of plant-based products has risen dramatically in developed nations. This study aims to determine the prevalence of unprescribed Siddha medicine among the district of Virudhunagar's rural residents. Materials and procedures Purposive sampling will be used in a community-based cross-sectional study that will be conducted for six months in Virudhunagar district's rural districts. 50 parents or guardians with kids between the ages of 5 and 12 who agree to take part in the study by acknowledging their agreement and signing the consent form will be included in the study. Results: About 54% of the informants utilized self-medication to save time, and 60% of the informants got their self-medication from friends or relatives. 60% of the individuals were primarily evaluated for respiratory issues. 36% of respondents reported experiencing negative side effects from self-medication.

Keywords: Self-medication, Children, Rural areas, Siddha.