Overseas Chinese students in the UK: patterns and correlates of their use of Western and traditional Chinese medicine.
We explored the correlates of use of TCM and WM by ethnic Chinese students in the UK. A questionnaire assessed key theoretical determinants of health services use. One hundred and seventy ethnic Chinese participants (international students at one university in the South of England) completed this questionnaire (presented in English and Chinese) assessing their demographic characteristics, health status, attitudes towards and use of TCM and WM. Participants were more likely to use WM than TCM when they were in the UK. Different variables predicted use of WM and TCM. The statistical predictors (demographic characteristics, health status, past behaviour, attitudes) explained modest but important proportions of the variance in use of WM (37%) and TCM (29%). In conclusion, this small exploratory study suggests a need for further research on the health care utilisation of this growing body of international students. Improved language support is needed for international students in UK health care settings.
Bishop
Felicity L
FL
Department of Primary Medical Care, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, Hants SO16 5ST, UK. f.l.bishop@southampton.ac.uk
Lim
Chiw Yeh
CY
Leydon
Geraldine M
GM
Lewith
George T
GT
D000367:Age Factors; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014495:Universities