Supplementary Material for: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Patients with Non-Communicable Disease: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study at AYUSH Set Ups of Krishna and Darjeeling District, India

Abstract Objective: To determine the impact of covid-19 in patients suffering from NCDs in terms of their knowledge, awareness, perception about COVID-19, use of AYUSH immune boosters, and management of chronic condition during the pandemic. Method: During the unlock down period (October 2020), a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Krishna and Darjeeling district of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, India. 499 individuals suffering from at least one chronic disease were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics with pandemic-related care challenges, Ayush Immune boosters(AIB). Principal Component Analysis was applied to minimize the dimensionality of factors related to covid care challenges. Results: 499 individuals were surveyed. 91% identified at least three correct covid appropriate behaviour. 92.2% considered the coronavirus to be a potential threat (mean±sd: 5.8±2.6). 44.7% and 55.3% lived with one and 2 or more chronic conditions respectively. Hypertension alone (27.4%) and diabetes with hypertension (33%) were leading presentations. Out of 499, participants, 88.8% had at least one form of AIB. 52% took Ars. alb with other AIB and 40% took Ars. alb. alone. Only 09 participants were infected from Covid-19. Conclusion: In the interest of a densely populated country like India, the inclusion of simple and safe AYUSH measures is realistic, ethical and cost-effective. Ayush interventions as Covid-19 prophylactic and treatment as well as Integrative care of chronic illnesses such as NCDs is suggested.