Knowledge, attitude and practice survey of prashana survey of prashana in neonates among Ayurvedic practitioners

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal period is the most vulnerable period for infections. India is the first among top 10 countries with the highest number of newborn deaths in 2019. Ayurvedic newborn care measures like prashanas should be explored for extending quality affordable care to newborns. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study in the form of knowledge, attitude, and practice survey of prashana in neonates was carried out using self-administered questionnaire containing 28 questions through Google Forms among 402 Ayurvedic Practitioners of India following CHERRIES checklist. Validated questionnaire was pretested before fielding it. Results and Conclusion: 55.4% of the participants agreed that prashana should be administered to all neonates and 91.5% agreed that it improves the health of the neonates. 53.4% preferred Swarna bhasma and 30.8% preferred elemental gold rubbed on stone in prashana. The dose of ghee was one to three drops (46%) and of honey was one to five drops (52%). 87.4% reported no adverse events due to prashana. Reduction in illnesses, improvement in intellect or school performance, growth, speech, etc., were the major positive responses received. Majority followed Acharya Kashyapa in prescribing prashana. The survey has brought to light the various methods of practice of prashana and also the lack of precise doses of Swarna bhasma, ghee, honey, etc. It will help in guiding the practitioners in implementing prashana in neonates and future research on its effects on neonatal mortality and morbidity including long-term effects on immunity, intellectual and behavioral outcomes.

Keywords

• neonatal care
• prashana
• prelacteal feeds
• swarna bhasma