Análisis retrospectivo del empleo de Eucalyptus globulus como método preventivo contra el COVID-19 en una muestra poblacional de Latacunga

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the use of Eucalyptus globulus as a preventive or curative method against COVID-19 in a population sample taken from Latacunga city, focusing on the first months of social isolation in which no approved treatment was available, and based on the importance of traditional medicine in Ecuadorian culture to preserve physical and mental well-being. The research was descriptive, qualitative and non-experimental. To obtain data, a survey of 21 questions was carried out on 390 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria of having passed the confinement in Latacunga city and aged 18 and over. The data collection was taken from December 2020 to May 2021, the survey was carried out through Google Forms and fifty surveys were also carried out as an interview to the elderly in order to obtain more homogeneous results. Once the data was obtained, they were organized and tabulated, then a statistical analysis was performed by means of chi square test, in order to correlate factors. The results showed in a general way that the population did use eucalyptus to treat respiratory problems, the most common way of using it was in vaporizations or infusions, in terms of its frequency, 35% used it 2 to 3 times a week. In addition, the combination with other medicinal plants was evidenced, highlighting ginger and cascarilla; the months of greatest consumption were May, June and July 2020. Finally, it was concluded that the use of eucalyptus was effective as a preventive method than a curative method, so it is recommended to study eucalyptus in depth in the context of COVID-19.