Publication:

Effectiveness of holy basil leaves and turmeric powder in steam inhalation to relieve symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infection among school going children

Background Acute upper respiratory tract infection is the most common infection in children worldwide, causing significant morbidity and sometimes leading to mortality in children. Steam inhalation with herbal additives is a widely practiced traditional remedy, yet evidence-based data on its effectiveness in children is limited. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of steam inhalation with holy basil leaves and turmeric powder in relieving symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infection among school-going children.

Methods The study utilized a quantitative approach, employing a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design. A total of 40 samples were selected from the Kachigam community area in Daman, based on specific selection criteria, with convenience sampling being the chosen technique. Data collection involved using a structured questionnaire schedule for demographic variables and an observational checklist assessment conducted before and after the intervention of steam inhalation with holy basil leaves and turmeric powder.

Results The post-test mean score in experimental group 3.95 (SD=1.95) was less than control group post-test mean score in control group 5.55 (SD=1.73) and ‘t’ value of post-test was 2.737 which shows the significant effect of the steam inhalation with holy basil leaves and turmeric powder (p<0.05) and there is significant mean difference between experimental and control group post-test was 1.6.

Conclusion Statistical significance was calculated by using paired and unpaired “t” test and Chi-square. After steam inhalation with holy basil leaves and turmeric powder the relieved the symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infection among the school going children.