A Survey on Popularity and General Awareness Regarding Allopathic and Ayurvedic System of Medicine among Rural and Urban Areas

Abstract

The objective of present survey was to get the information about general awareness and popularity of allopathic and Ayurvedic system of medicine among rural and urban areas. In this open field survey, a total of 400 volunteers aged 18-80 years having different education level, 200 from urban and 200 from the rural area were involved. A Performa was drafted containing a set of questions in simple and understanding language. The objectives and each doubt were explained and clarified to every volunteer. On the basis of the above questionnaire, responses are categorized into awareness about the system, side-effects, quality of herbal drugs, their faith, satisfactory level, and preference in a medical emergency, common ailment and in case of mental illness. From the study, it was found that both populations are quite familiar and aware of about allopathic and Ayurvedic medicines. They believed that Ayurvedic medicines are more effective and free from side-effects but they don’t believe in the quality of herbal drugs. At the same time, allopathic medicine’s fast action and scientific evidence make it the first preference for both populations in a medical emergency even they are aware of its side-effects. From this study, it was concluded that both the populations know the difference between Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines, and are having huge faith in Ayurvedic medicines but have a concern about their quality, which indicates the need of fundamental research on herbal medicines with advanced technology for their global acceptance over allopathic medicines.