Acceptance of Alternative Medicine in Bangladesh: A Study on Homeopathy

Nasrin  Parvin; Nur-E-Alam  Rasel; Mohammad Abul  Hashem Bhuyan; Md. Salimur  Rahman; Md. Mashiusjaman; Md. Ruhul  Amin; Rumana Afroze  Rume; Nazmul  Hasan

doi:10.3329/brc.v10i2.74590

Authors

Nasrin Parvin Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Family Planning. Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka-1000. Bangladesh
Nur-E-Alam Rasel Department of Homeopathic Practice of Medicine, Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur-14, Dhaka-1206. Bangladesh
Mohammad Abul Hashem Bhuyan Department of Homeopathic Practice of Medicine, Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur-14, Dhaka-1206. Bangladesh
Md. Salimur Rahman Department of Chronic Disease, Case Taking & Repertorization, Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur-14, Dhaka-1206. Bangladesh
Md. Mashiusjaman Department of Homeopathic Philosophy and Principles of Homeopathy, Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur-14, Dhaka-1206. Bangladesh
Md. Ruhul Amin Department of Chronic Disease, Case Taking & Repertorization, Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur-14, Dhaka-1206. Bangladesh
Rumana Afroze Rume Govt. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mirpur-14, Dhaka-1206. Bangladesh
Nazmul Hasan Dr. Nazmul’s Chamber, Mirpur-1, Dhaka-1216. Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/brc.v10i2.74590

Keywords:

Homeopathy, less side effects, low price alternative, popular medicine

Abstract

Homeopathy is widely recognized globally, including in Bangladesh, as part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is noted for effectively treating various conditions without adverse effects, which has garnered significant interest. This recent study investigated the acceptance of homeopathic medicine among Bangladeshi people, surveying 157 respondents. The participants comprised of 64.3% males and 35.7% females; among them a large majority (88.5%) had at least a graduate-level education, and 72.6% belonged to middle-class families. Interestingly, middle-aged individuals (45.2%) showed a particular affinity for homeopathy. This study revealed a high awareness levels among the respondents, with 89.8% familiar with homeopathic medicine and 86.6% erudite about its utilization. In addition, safety was mentioned by 65.6% of respondents, affordability by 55.4%, and effectiveness in many cases by 44.9%. However, all the above points collectively influenced their preference for homeopathy. There was a consensus among 69.4% of respondents advocating for integrating homeopathy into mainstream healthcare. The study participants endorsed few ideas including ensuring quality control of homeopathic medicines, promoting research initiatives, and providing greater integration opportunities for homeopathic practitioners within the healthcare system.

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