1 Research Scholar, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai. Email: sb2553@srmist.edu.in
2 Research Supervisor & Associate Professor, Department of Computer Applications, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai. Email: umashans2@srmist.edu.in
3 Visiting Faculty, LV Prasad College of Media Studies, Saligramam, Chennai. Email: elangovanranga@gmail.com
A cross-sectional study that addresses the awareness, attitudes, and use patterns of alternative medicine with pre-senior adults in the 45-59 years age group in Chennai which is a population that has gradually been on the increase towards the use of complementary means of dealing with age related health conditions. Based on the results of the survey conducted among 123 respondents using a structured online questionnaire, the data shows that the degree of acceptance of alternative medicine is moderate to high with 38.2 and 22.8 respectively, seeing it as effective and very effective; indicating that almost half of the respondents trusted it as much as they trust conventional medicine. Receptivity to adoption was high as most people were willing to either use or suggest alternative treatments based on the condition and this was mainly caused by social networks and personal experience. In spite of this openness, cost and accessibility are also viable hindrances to more widespread use. The statistical analysis indicated a high positive correlation between frequency of use and perceived benefits (r 0.77), which was also showing that repeated involvement in using alternative medicine strengthens beliefs about its effectiveness. On the whole, the results highlight the relevance of sociodemographic and social-influence variables in the development of alternative medicine uptake and the need to consider and implement health-focused measures with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of pre-senior adults.
Keywords: Alternative Medicine, Attitudes, Awareness, Pre-Senior Adults, Usage Patterns
How to cite this article: Senthil Kumar B, Srinivasan U, Elangovan R. Exploring the Awareness, Attitudes, And Usage of Alternative Medicine Among Pre-Senior Adults in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5): 222-232. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5.25
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None