Wednesday, December 2, 2020

The use of natural Supplements and remedies by New Zealanders during the 2020 Covid Lockdown; A survey

 

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

 Executive Summary;

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%