Analysing Influences on Homoeopathic Subscriptions in Rural Communities: A Pilot Study

Increasing healthcare access, especially in rural areas, is instrumental to India's growth and inclusive development. Over the years, as a result of increased awareness, the diverse range of healthcare modalities that the Indian healthcare system offers its patients have gained significant popularity. In this paper, through primary data collected from 241 respondents residing in two villages in rural UP, we aim to study the factors influencing the subscription to such options of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) with special emphasis on Homoeopathy. We also shed light on various socio-economic and demographic trends and patterns observed in treatment subscription decisions. Through descriptive analysis and regression, we find that Homoeopathy usage, conditional on awareness, is influenced by the nature of the patient's illness, their awareness of the nearest treatment facility and their attitude towards medical procedures offered in conventional medicine. We also discuss the perceived advantages and disadvantages amongst participants regarding homoeopathy and compare them with those of other CAM.