A survey regarding awareness and beliefs about Homoeopathy among general population during Magh Mela at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background and Objective: Homoeopathy is one of the various alternative systems of medicine prevalent in India. A survey was conducted during the month of January–February 2017 in a congregation at Sangam, Allahabad, to know about the awareness of general population about Homoeopathy. Methods: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted on patients and people visiting the health check‑up camp and exhibition stall set‑up during Magh Mela at Sangam, Allahabad. A self‑administered questionnaire was used during the survey, devised by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Results: Of 1144 total respondents, 68.1% had knowledge about Homoeopathy. About 46.6% of respondents believed that it has no side effects and 15.1% believed that it is cost‑effective. The diseases for which most of the participants have taken homoeopathic treatment were fever, common cold, constipation and diarrhoea. Conclusion: General population has knowledge about Homoeopathy, but various misconceptions are also prevalent. Awareness campaigns are needed to make people more aware about Homoeopathy and its effectiveness in various disorders.