Adherence to Prophylactic Use of Homeopathic Arsenicum album during COVID-19 in India: A Cross-Sectional Study in 23 Cities

Abstract

The Indian government, in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, initiated campaigns to use complementary therapies for its prevention and control, such as large-scale distribution of the homeopathic medicine, Arsenicum album 30C, as potential prophylactic for COVID-19. This study estimates the individual adherence to using this homeopathic prophylactic within the Indian urban population.A multi-center, cross-sectional, study was conducted across 23 cities in 19 Indian states and union territories from September to November 2022. Participants aged 18 years and above, who had received Arsenicum album 30C within the past month, were included. Adherence was assessed through self-reports. Data were collected in a structured data collection form. Factors influencing adherence were analysed using logistic regression.A total of 23,101 participants completed the survey. Among the participants, 79.89% (n = 18,457) completed the prescribed three-dose regimen, demonstrating high adherence. Older adults (≥61 years) exhibited the highest adherence (84.63%), whereas younger individuals had lower adherence rates. Employment status, gender and socio-economic class were significant predictors of adherence. Participants with a lower perceived risk of COVID-19 showed higher adherence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.73 to 1.99; p < 0.0001). Adverse events were reported by 0.1% (n = 22) of participants, with no serious effects observed.The high adherence to Arsenicum album 30C highlights the effectiveness of a structured government distribution program and the potential of homeopathy as a welcomed medication in aiming to enhance public health.