International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Aim: To compare the impact of coffee consumption on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in patients with chronic headaches.

Methods: A comparative observational study was conducted with 137 patients receiving homeopathic treatment for chronic headaches at the Government Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal. Patients were categorized into coffee consumers and non-consumers. The intensity and frequency of headaches were assessed using a Likert scale at two follow-ups. Non-parametric tests, including Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test, were used to analyze the data. ANCOVA was employed to evaluate the effect of coffee consumption on headache intensity and frequency.

Results: The analysis showed a significant difference in headache intensity during the first follow-up (p = 0.022), but no significant differences were observed in headache intensity or frequency during the second follow-up or in the overall ANCOVA results (p = 0.501 for frequency; p = 0.07 for intensity). The statistical tests revealed no substantial effect of coffee consumption on headache characteristics in the context of homeopathic treatment.

Conclusion: Coffee consumption did not significantly affect the efficacy of homeopathic treatment for chronic headaches in terms of frequency or intensity over time. The study suggests that coffee may not need to be strictly restricted during homeopathic treatment for chronic headaches.