November 2025, Volume 3, Issue 11

Author

Kanimozhi S, Sureshkumar D, Thamizhmaran Sundararajan and Thiruselvakumar D

Abstract

Background: Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) has gained global traction for managing chronic conditions, yet urban utilization patterns in India remain underexplored. This study evaluates healthcare-seeking behaviour and service utilization of AYUSH systems-Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy-in urban Puducherry. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted over a period of 1 year, enrolled 150 adult patients (>18 years) attending the AYUSH clinic at General Hospital, Puducherry, for ?6 months. Stratified sampling was applied and data were collected with a pre-structured questionnaire based on the Consumer Choice and Health Belief Models. Likert scales assessed attitudes toward efficacy and safety. Results: Participants had sought AYUSH for management of diabetes (27%), hypertension (16%), followed by osteoarthritis (12%). The primary reasons for choosing AYUSH included symptom relief (60.4%), followed by the absence of side effects (29.9%), and holistic care. Patients reported benefits such as symptom subsidence (32.5%) and improved well-being (31.1%). High mean Likert scores (>5.8/6) indicated strong agreement that AYUSH treatments were safer than allopathy. Conclusions: Urban Puducherry residents had demonstrated strong preference and satisfaction with AYUSH services for chronic disease management, and findings underscores the need for the integrative healthcare. Policy initiatives should reinforce AYUSH-allopathy collaboration, community engagement.