Utilization Patterns of the Community in Seeking Siddha System of Medicine in Chennai Metropolitan Area

Very little information is available on the awareness, utilization and health seeking behavior of Community about Siddha system of medicine in Chennai. The purpose of this survey is to collect information about knowledge, awareness of the Siddha system and to know the perception and satisfaction levels of Siddha medicine. This is a cross-sectional survey done among the 384 residents which covered 10 areas in five directions of Chennai. One person from each household was interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. Among the 384, respondents, 52% (197) described Siddha medicine as Herbal medicine. The source of knowledge about Siddha medicine is through friends and relatives (49%). 58% have taken siddha medicine for some illnesses. 73% of respondents said that they would prefer to go to Graduate Siddha medical practitioner. The reasons for discontinuation of treatment as cited by the respondents were distance of the siddha care facility (36%), treatment ineffective (25%). Siddha medicine is widely sought by the residents of Chennai metropolis. The awareness about siddha medicine is very less. This indicates that there is an unmet need for Siddha system in Tamilnadu which underlines awareness to be increased and the policy makers have to streamline the health care delivery systems.