The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in managing oral health--Hong Kong: one country, two systems.
OBJECTIVE
To determine knowledge, use, and interest in traditional methods to manage oral health among Hong Kong adults.


METHODS
A cross sectional epidemiological survey.


METHODS
A random sample of 500 Hong Kong adults.


METHODS
Telephone interviews about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches to mange oral health, employing a battery of 50 questions over a one month period in 2002.


RESULTS
Most completed the interview (96%, 481/500). Over half (52%, 250/481) had some knowledge about using TCM to manage oral health. Approximately a third (32%, 155/481) reported using TCM to manage their oral health in the past, most frequently for oral mucosal lesions (65%, 101/155) or for periodontal reasons (62%, 96/155). TCM was used predominately in combination with western dentistry or as a last resort (55%, 86/155). Most (89%, 428/481) expressed an interest in TCM approaches to managing oral health, particularly if administered by their dentist (54%, 259/481), and expressed many reasons for such interest. Socio-demographic variations in knowledge, use and interest in the use of TCM to manage oral health were apparent (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge, use and interest in traditional based approaches to managing oral health is widespread in Hong Kong, and is associated with age and educational attainment.
McGrath
Colman
C
Periodontology & Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, China. mcgrathc@hkucc.hku.hk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003729:Dental Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health