P-11 A survey on the Non-conventional Therapies for COVID19 in Trinidad

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (using google forms) was conducted throughout Trinidad and Tobago amongst the general population (=≥18 years) via social media channels (Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram) between 20th June to 19th July 2022.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 57 persons, with 10 persons (17.54%) not being vaccinated, while 47 (82.46%) were vaccinated. Most of our respondents (81%) used both conventional and non-conventional therapies, (12%) used conventional treatment, while (7%) used nonconventional treatment alone. Antibiotics, ivermectins, antiinflammatories, analgesics, bronchodilators, and cough/flu syrups are the most frequently reported conventional treatments. While non-conventional therapies reported include vitamins, minerals, supplements, and plants and animal products including herbal teas, cloves, lime, honey,caraille, bandia roots, Spanish thyme, CBD oil, liquid chlorophyll, papaya leaves, Echinacea, eucalyptus oil and vervine were documented. In the persons who used conventional therapy (either alone or in combination with non-conventional therapies), 13.21% (7/53) reported side effects, which included severe thirst, headache, nausea, drowsiness, and one case of weight gain. There were no reports of any side effects noted when non-conventional treatment alone was used.

Conclusion: Non-conventional therapies showed promising effects in the management of COVID-19, proper selection, research, and development of some of their bioactive might help in producing better alternatives to conventional therapies for COVID-19.