Changes in Homesickness Severity Following Individualized Homoeopathic Intervention Among First-Year Medical Students: A Prospective Analytical Pilot Study Using the Utrecht Homesickness Scale

Author

Dr. Anita Natu. , Dr. Vaishali Sawant , Dr. Sumeet Yesumali , Dr. Sejal Vishwakarma


Abstract

 Background

Homesickness is a significant psychological challenge affecting students transitioning to residential academic environments, particularly first-year medical students. It is associated with emotional distress, loneliness, adjustment difficulties, impaired concentration, and adverse academic outcomes. Despite the growing recognition of student mental health concerns, limited evidence exists regarding individualized homoeopathic interventions in homesickness management.

Objective

To evaluate changes in homesickness severity following individualized homoeopathic intervention among first-year medical students using the Utrecht Homesickness Scale (UHS).

Methods

A prospective analytical pilot study was conducted among 30 first-year medical students experiencing moderate-to-severe homesickness. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling after screening with the Utrecht Homesickness Scale. Detailed individualized homoeopathic case taking was performed for each participant, and constitutional remedies were prescribed according to homoeopathic principles. Homesickness severity was assessed at baseline and after intervention using the UHS. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to compare pre- and post-intervention scores.

Results

Among the 30 participants, 21 (70%) demonstrated severe homesickness at baseline, while 9 (30%) had moderate homesickness. Following intervention, 21 participants (70%) shifted to mild homesickness, 7 (23.3%) remained moderate, and 2 (6.7%) remained severe. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant reduction in homesickness severity following intervention (p < 0.001). Natrum muriaticum was the most frequently prescribed remedy (36.7%), followed by Phosphorus (16.7%) and Pulsatilla (10%).

Conclusion

This pilot study observed clinically and statistically significant reduction in homesickness severity following individualized homoeopathic intervention among first-year medical students. While these findings suggest potential therapeutic association, larger controlled studies with randomization and comparison groups are necessary to establish efficacy and causality.


Keywords

Homesickness; Medical Students; Homoeopathy; Utrecht Homesickness Scale; Student Mental Health; Complementary Medicine.



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