Year: 2024 | Month: July-September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 471-477
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20240353
Traditional Medicine Usage: Knowledge And Practice Among Rural Tribals in Villages of Gadag Taluk, India
Manjegowda H. P1, Dr Gulappa Devagappanavar2, Dr. Lingaraj Niduvani2
1Public Health Scholar, School of Environmental Science, Public Health and Sanitation Management, Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag
2Assistant Professor Department of Public Health, Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag
2Assistant Professor Department of Social Work, Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag
Corresponding Author: Manjegowda H. P
ABSTRACT
Background: Traditional medicine denotes the indigenous medical systems and practices that have evolved over extensive periods within particular cultural and communal contexts. The understanding and perspectives regarding traditional medicine are shaped by a confluence of historical, cultural, and social dimensions that inform the utilization and practices of traditional medicine. Historically, traditional medicine has been instrumental in addressing the healthcare requirements of populations globally. Its foundations are profoundly embedded in cultural convictions, practices, and the collective wisdom pertaining to the application of medicinal flora, fauna, and diverse therapeutic modalities. Traditional medicine frequently employs holistic methodologies, encompassing the physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of health and wellness. This research endeavor was undertaken to evaluate the understanding and application of traditional medicine among the Scheduled tribes (Valmiki Nayaka and Talawar) residing in the Gadag taluk.
Objectives: To Assess the Knowledge and Practices about traditional medicine usage among Rural Tribal’s in Gadag.
Methods: A field-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hirehandigola and Chikkahandigola, Chikkoppa, and Hirekoppa villages of Gadag Taluk. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to choose the study participants. A semi-structured, closed-ended questionnaire was used to obtain the data from June to July 2023. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel, and results were expressed in frequency and percentages.
Results: Totally, 116 households were visited, and participants were interviewed. Out of that, almost all (98.73%) of them had good knowledge, and the majority (70.7%) used Ayurveda medicines. 11.2% used home remedies to seek treatment. 15.5% of respondents are influenced by their ancestors to use TM, and 43.1% report that TM has no side effects.
Conclusion: The majority of the respondents have good knowledge about traditional medicine usage. All will prepare traditional medicine for their health and well-being.
Keywords: Knowledge, Practice, Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda; Rural Area