Disease pattern, level of satisfaction and perceptions on Ayurveda medical care of patients seeking treatment from registered private Ayurveda Practitioners in Kalutara District.

Abstract

Aim of the study was to identify demographic and socioeconomic factors of patients seeking ayurveda treatment, their disease patterns, satisfaction and perception on ayurveda medical care in Kalutara district. Patients' satisfaction on ayurveda medical care on the aspects of facilities available at the institution, waiting time (85.5 percent) and the cost spent for treatment (76.2 percent) were high whereas, their knowledge on availability of surgical procedures (14.8 percent) and family planning methods (3.5 percent) in ayurveda were poor. Majorities had perceived that the ayurveda medical care was less costly (66.8 percent) and less of side effects (87.4 percent). Greater part of the respondents had stated that the ayurveda medicine is better in treating fracture (83.1 percent), paralysis (78.6 percent) and asthma (64.6 percent) whereas allopathic medicine is better in treating dog bites (77.2 percent), heart attacks (74.8 percent), high blood pressure (78.3 percent), tuberculosis (76.8 percent) and leprosy (69.2 percent)