Public attitudes toward traditional Chinese medicine and how they affect medical treatment choices in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to test a conceptual model using public attitudes toward biomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to predict respondents’ medical treatment choice. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative online survey was conducted using quota sampling. Altogether 1,321 questionnaires from Hong Kong residents of age 15 years or above were collected. Findings Attitudes toward biomedicine in relation to TCM and perceived cost of TCM consultation were found to be significant variables in predicting respondents’ medical treatment choice of treatment. Perceived efficacy of TCM, however, was not a significant predictor. Older respondents, as well as respondents with higher education, were less likely to consult biomedicine first when ill. They were also less likely to consult biomedicine exclusively. Research limitations/implications This study uses a convenience sample recruited through personal networks. The findings cannot be generalized to the rest of the population. Practical implications Respondents in the study generally perceived TCM’s efficacy to be high, but not high enough to make it the medical treatment of choice. To promote TCM in Hong Kong, there is a need to enhance trust in it. This can be achieved through strengthening scientific research and development of TCM, enhancing professional standards of TCM practitioners and educating the public about the qualifications of TCM practitioners. Strategic channel planning to reach potential target and reducing the time cost of TCM medication should be examined. Originality/value The study is the first to relate attitudes to and perceptions of TCM with medical treatment choices in Hong Kong.

Willingness to pay for traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) among Malaysian adults

“…This finding also validates the importance of attitude as one of the determinants of intention in TPB in which a person is favourable towards and willing to pay for TCAM. This confirms previous findings by Jasamai et al (2017), Chan and Tsang (2018); and Kristoffersen et al (2018) where respondents taking TCAM were found to have more positive attitudes towards TCAM than those not taking TCAM. A study among adults from 32 countries by Peltzer and Pengpid (2016) also found that users were highly satisfied with the use of TCAM.…”

“…A study among adults from 32 countries by Peltzer and Pengpid (2016) also found that users were highly satisfied with the use of TCAM. Respondents also had strong beliefs about traditional medicine’s efficacy and role in preventive care (Chan and Tsang, 2018). This implies that users are now more open to using TCAM in treating illness.…”

Determinants and consequences of brand credibility: a case study in the pharmaceutical industry

“…Considering the purposes of this study, the nature of the research and the available resources, data was collected from a convenience sample. Like other studies (Ferreira and Barbosa, 2017; Chan and Tsang, 2018), an online questionnaire was created and sent to respondents who received all the information to complete the questionnaire and share it. The use of a snowball method, which has been commonly used to explore the relationship between brands and consumers, has been seen by researchers (Albert et al ,2008; Valta, 2013), as a valid way to collect data.…”

Sustainable Development Goal 1.2

“…The public perception of traditional Chinese medicine is strongly affected by the perceived insufficient scientific evidence ( Sun et al, 2017 ). However, older persons are more likely to use Chinese medicine for their illnesses ( Chan & Tsang, 2018 ). The establishment of the Chinese Medicine Development Fund aims to promote the development of the Chinese medicine by enhancing public knowledge and scientific support of Chinese medicine.…”