A Study on Awareness and Attitude of People towards Use of Traditional Medicine in Central Kashmir, J&K

Abstract

Jammu and Kashmir region popularly known as heaven on earth is covered by loftymountains, dense forests which receive heavy rainfall and snow. The forests in Jammu and Kashmir region arespread over broad geo-climatic zones, play most significant role in the economy of the region as they provide rich forest resources indispensable for human beings. Since ancient times Herbalmedicine, also called as herbalism or botanical medicine, a medical system based on theuse of plants or plant extracts that may be eaten or applied to the skinto treat illness and to assist bodily functions. The Hakeems and the Vaidayas of study area, have rich treasure of knowledge about the local medicinal plants and the system is still used mostly in remoteareas of Jammu and Kashmir region. We know Nomads have their own traditional knowledge of heath care, unfortunately this knowledge is threatened due to various natural and anthropogenic factors. We undertake this study on thisbackground to assess the awareness an awareness among people of central Kashmirof Jammu and Kashmir region. In present study, a well designed validated questionnaire was used to collect the information from a sample of 400 people (200 male and 200 female) selected randomly from different Unani hospitals and in the study area. The data collected from survey was tabulated, analyzed and interpreted statistically using standard statisticalmethods. The results obtained from our survey showed that respondents understudy male as well as female are aware about importance of traditional medicine but lack in attitude towards use of Unani medicine for treatment of illness. The study revealed that majority of respondents (male=69.5%, female= 73.5%) were aware about unani medicine as a mode of treatment to cure various diseases. Further, main source of information about unani medicine among respondents (male=32.5%, female= 38.5%) were elders in family, followed by neighbours (male=17.0%, female= 20.0%) and by friends (male=15.0%, female= 18.5%). Statistically, significant difference was observed between male and female respondents in preference of treatment (P<0.01). It was concluded from our study that lack of attitude towards use of medicinal plants as treatment for illnessand facilities were the majorproblems for the efficient use of Unani medicine. There is an urgent need of giving mass awareness on importance of medicinal plants to the people of the Jammu and Kashmir region.