Md. Juel Rana , Manik Kumar , Margubur Rahaman , Mohammad Hifz Ur Rahman
{"title":"Awareness, preference, and utilisation of Ayush in India: Evidence from National Sample Survey, 2022–23","authors":"Md. Juel Rana , Manik Kumar , Margubur Rahaman , Mohammad Hifz Ur Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Integration of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy (Ayush) for universal healthcare coverage is a key policy agenda in India. Despite growing debate on its integration with mainstream healthcare, previous studies lack exclusive data on awareness, preference, and utilisation of Ayush. This study aims to analyse Ayush awareness, preference, and utilisation in rural and urban areas of India to inform policy recommendations.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The present study used the latest exclusive National Sample Survey (NSS) survey data on Ayush (2022–23). Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were applied to present the levels and patterns of awareness, preference, and utilisation of Ayush care in India.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Over 95 % of individuals in India are aware of Ayush, while about 60 % prefer to use Ayush for their treatment and 53 % utilise Ayush. There is an insignificant difference in awareness and preference between rural and urban areas, but there is considerable gap exists in the utilisation of Ayush. A higher utilisation is noted among older individuals, females, Scheduled Tribes (STs), and urban residents as compared to their counterparts. Self-medication with Ayush is very common among the users. Predominant treatments are rejuvenation (45.4 %) and therapeutic care (27 %). Key reasons for utilisation of Ayush care include effectiveness (72.1 %), faith (58.1 %), and low side effects (50.4 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The preference and accessibility of Ayush services need to be enhanced particularly at the community level, to reduce reliance on self-medication and folk healers. Tailored strategies must address socio-demographic, religious, and caste-based variations to ensure equitable and broader acceptance of Ayush. Expanding rejuvenation and therapeutic care services can foster a preference for Ayush. Additionally, investment in research to understand factors influencing Ayush use and improve service infrastructure is essential for sustainable and effective integration of Ayush into the healthcare system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"12 2","pages":"Article 100476"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Advances in integrative medicine","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958825000357","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"Medicine","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Integration of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy (Ayush) for universal healthcare coverage is a key policy agenda in India. Despite growing debate on its integration with mainstream healthcare, previous studies lack exclusive data on awareness, preference, and utilisation of Ayush. This study aims to analyse Ayush awareness, preference, and utilisation in rural and urban areas of India to inform policy recommendations.
Materials and methods
The present study used the latest exclusive National Sample Survey (NSS) survey data on Ayush (2022–23). Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were applied to present the levels and patterns of awareness, preference, and utilisation of Ayush care in India.
Results
Over 95 % of individuals in India are aware of Ayush, while about 60 % prefer to use Ayush for their treatment and 53 % utilise Ayush. There is an insignificant difference in awareness and preference between rural and urban areas, but there is considerable gap exists in the utilisation of Ayush. A higher utilisation is noted among older individuals, females, Scheduled Tribes (STs), and urban residents as compared to their counterparts. Self-medication with Ayush is very common among the users. Predominant treatments are rejuvenation (45.4 %) and therapeutic care (27 %). Key reasons for utilisation of Ayush care include effectiveness (72.1 %), faith (58.1 %), and low side effects (50.4 %).
Conclusions
The preference and accessibility of Ayush services need to be enhanced particularly at the community level, to reduce reliance on self-medication and folk healers. Tailored strategies must address socio-demographic, religious, and caste-based variations to ensure equitable and broader acceptance of Ayush. Expanding rejuvenation and therapeutic care services can foster a preference for Ayush. Additionally, investment in research to understand factors influencing Ayush use and improve service infrastructure is essential for sustainable and effective integration of Ayush into the healthcare system.
期刊介绍:
Advances in Integrative Medicine (AIMED) is an international peer-reviewed, evidence-based research and review journal that is multi-disciplinary within the fields of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. The journal focuses on rigorous quantitative and qualitative research including systematic reviews, clinical trials and surveys, whilst also welcoming medical hypotheses and clinically-relevant articles and case studies disclosing practical learning tools for the consulting practitioner. By promoting research and practice excellence in the field, and cross collaboration between relevant practitioner groups and associations, the journal aims to advance the practice of IM, identify areas for future research, and improve patient health outcomes. International networking is encouraged through clinical innovation, the establishment of best practice and by providing opportunities for cooperation between organisations and communities.