The use of natural supplements and remedies by New
Zealanders during the 2020 COVID 19 Lockdown: Survey
Dr. Wendy Maddocks (RN, DHlthSc) wendy.maddocks@canterbury.ac.nz
July 30, 2020
This survey was completed just after
the level 4 COVID 19 lockdown in May 2020. The survey was live for two weeks
when the country moved to level 3 and before level 2 commenced. You indicated
you would like a copy of the results. Please be assured your results could not
be personally identified in the study and the request for results was separated
from the survey.
A full analysis
and article has been submitted for publication in an international peer
reviewed journal July 30 2020. This is an executive summary of the key findings
of the study. Some details have been omitted to protect privacy of
participants.
The request to
participate in the online survey was posted on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and
several online chat forums and participants were asked to share the survey with
their own networks.
A total of 124
surveys were completed correctly with all participants indicated they used some
form of natural remedies.
Demographics
89% of respondents
were female and 79% were aged between 36-65 years old.
80.73% respondents
identified as New Zealand European/Pākeha
95% of respondents
spent lock down in their own home
No respondents had
tested positive for COVID 19 or been in quarantine or isolation at that time
Results
31.7% had
increased their use of natural remedies and supplements in direct response to
the risk of COVID19. Supplements chosen had a perceived antiviral or immune
boosting effect. Vitamin C was the most popular remedy chosen. Most people
purchased their supplements either at a supermarket or pharmacy with only 6.5%
obtaining supplements from a qualified practitioner. Five percent of
participants prepared their own remedies. Around 40% told their Dr or
registered health professional about their use of supplements or natural
remedies. The remainder either didn’t or were selective in what information
they gave depending on what they were seeing the Dr. about. The following
images provide further summary of findings.
Full article available by subscription from https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/ajhnm
Table 1
|
Remedy/Supplement |
% used |
|
Vitamin C |
62.14% |
|
Multivitamin/mineral supplement |
57.14% |
|
Commercial herbal teas |
43% |
|
Essential oils/aromatherapy |
35.58% |
