Development and validation of a self-assessment tool to determine Prakriti, the human constitution types of Indian traditional medicine

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ayurveda, the traditional system of health care that is native to India, has a unique concept of Prakriti. It divides the population into seven constitutional types. Every constitution type has some unique features explained by Acharyas. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to develop a validated Deha Prakriti determination tool that will be easier to administer, less time-consuming, and more sensitive to even small changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared based on features explained in Charak Samhita. The data generated through the cross-sectional study of the questionnaire, from February 22 to March 2022, were used for analysis. Analysis of the questionnaire was evaluated based on content validity, reliability, and validity test. RESULTS: Data from 210 respondents of either gender aged between 15 and 30 years were used for the analysis. The reliability and validity of the newly developed tool were found satisfactory on statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this cross-sectional analysis assert that the questionnaire is valid. Therefore, the tool may be used for academic and clinical purposes.