Alternative Medicine in Punjab: Gendered Patterns in Efficacy and Safety Outcomes

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 9 12
    By

    J. Samuel Kamanda,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Stephen Monday,

  1. Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  4. Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: Alternative medicine remains an integral part of healthcare practices in Punjab, India. However, disparities based on gender and regional differences influence its usage, efficacy, and safety outcomes. Objective: To assess gendered and regional patterns in the use, perceived benefits, and safety concerns of alternative medicine among adults in Punjab. Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was conducted among 620 adults (300 men, 320 women) from both urban and rural regions of Punjab. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests and univariate logistic regression to identify predictors of adverse effects. Qualitative interviews complemented survey findings to provide context. Results: Women reported significantly higher symptom relief from alternative medicine (78% vs. 64%, p = 0.01) and greater use for chronic pain management (61% vs. 32%, p < 0.001). In contrast, men more frequently used alternative treatments for mental health concerns (26% vs. 9%, p < 0.001). Rural participants experienced more adverse effects (38% vs. 19%, p < 0.001), largely due to higher rates of self-medication (59%) and limited access to trained healthcare providers (24%). Univariate regression identified rural residence (aOR = 3.2) and self-medication (aOR = 2.8) as significant predictors of adverse outcomes, while gender had no independent effect. Conclusion: The use of alternative medicine in Punjab is shaped by gender and geographic disparities. Women benefit more in terms of symptom relief, while rural residents face elevated risks due to self-medication and lack of trained support. These findings support the need for culturally and gender-sensitive harm-reduction policies to regulate access and ensure safe use of alternative therapies.

Keywords: Alternative medicine, efficacy, gender differences, Punjab, rural health, safety

[This article belongs to Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy ]

How to cite this article:
J. Samuel Kamanda, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday. Alternative Medicine in Punjab: Gendered Patterns in Efficacy and Safety Outcomes. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2025; 15(01):9-12.
How to cite this URL:
J. Samuel Kamanda, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday. Alternative Medicine in Punjab: Gendered Patterns in Efficacy and Safety Outcomes. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2025; 15(01):9-12. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2025/view=237732


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 21/06/2025
Accepted 18/11/2025
Published 19/11/2025
Publication Time 151 Days
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