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@article{210265,
        author = {Nukshijungla Ao and Bipasha Daimari and Desain Thousen and Esha Gurung and Jakjemsungla and Khushi Kumari and Tiajungla Aier and Yangersenla Imsong},
        title = {Knowledge and Utilization of AYUSH Systems of Medicine among Rural Adults in Nagaland, India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {6},
        pages = {269-275},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=210265},
        abstract = {Background: AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) is an integral component of India's healthcare system; however, its utilization remains inconsistent despite increasing public awareness. Evidence regarding community knowledge and utilization of AYUSH systems of medicine in Northeast India remains limited.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge and utilization of AYUSH systems of medicine among rural adults in Nagaland and examine their association with selected socio-demographic variables.
Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 rural adults residing in Singrijan Village, Chümoukedima District, Nagaland, India. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and utilization of AYUSH systems of medicine. Content validity was established (Content Validity Index = 0.93), and reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 50.0% demonstrated moderate knowledge regarding AYUSH systems of medicine, while 34.0% had poor knowledge and 16.0% had good knowledge. Utilization was comparatively low, with 70.0% reporting poor utilization, 21.0% moderate utilization, and 9.0% good utilization. Educational attainment was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.05), whereas no significant association was observed between utilization and the selected socio-demographic variables.
Conclusions: A substantial knowledge–utilization gap regarding AYUSH systems of medicine was identified among rural adults in Nagaland. Although participants demonstrated moderate knowledge, utilization remained limited. Strengthening community-based health education and improving access to AYUSH services may promote informed utilization and support their integration into primary healthcare.},
        keywords = {AYUSH systems of medicine; knowledge; utilization; rural adults; Nagaland.},
        month = {November},
        }