Abstract
Respiratory tract conditions (RTCs) occur in the respiratory system from the nose to the lungs. These conditions affect the quality of life of individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The most prevalent RTC is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with an estimated 200 million people suffering from it worldwide, and it is the third leading cause of death followed by COVID-19, asthma, tuberculosis (TB), and acute RTCs such as influenza, upper respiratory tract conditions (URTC) and common cold. Conventional medicine is the first approach used to treat RTCs, however, it is not always the best option because is it associated with adverse side effects and worsening of the RTCs. Homeopathy is an alternative treatment for RTCs, it is safe, tolerable, and cost-effective. To date, no studies have been undertaken to evaluate homeopathic treatment's effect on the quality of life of patients with respiratory tract conditions.
This research project aimed to assess the perceived effect of homeopathic treatment on the quality of life of patients with respiratory tract conditions at the University of Johannesburg WeCare Wellness Community Health Centre (UJ WCWCHC) from 01 August 2021 to 28 February 2022 by means of a survey. The study is quantitative and descriptive in nature. A research population of n=46 participants was used to randomly select a research sample size of n=32 participants.
The study was conducted face-to-face and telephonically in a private room at the UJ WCWCHC for a period of six weeks. Consent forms to participate and to be audio-recorded were signed via Google forms for telephonic interviews and for face-to-face interviews participants came to UJ WCWCHC, and all COVID-19 regulations were followed, consent forms were signed, and a set of hard copy questionnaires was completed. Data analysis was done using frequency tables and cross-tabulations. The overall conclusion portrayed by participants disclosed that their RTCs and symptoms were improved and well managed by homeopathic treatment. Most participants n=22 (66.0%) were treated for 0-2 weeks, and n=25 (78.1%) participants noticed an improvement in their symptoms within 2-4 days of treatment. The most affected aspect of life before homeopathic treatment was the ability to enjoy social activities as it was poor in n=18 (56.2%) participants, followed by the overall ability to perform daily activities which was poor in n=15 (46.9%) participants. After homeopathic treatment, a significant improvement was noted in all the aspect of life as they all had a good rating of above 50%. The ability to enjoy daily activities was good in n= 21 (65.6%), energy levels good in n=24 (77.6%) and the emotional state rated good by n=23 (71.9%) participants. n=30 (93,8%) participants believed that the homeopathic treatment helped improve their quality of life (QoL) and n=2 (6.2%) participants disagreed.