Factors associated with traditional Chinese medicine utilization among urban community health centers in Hubei Province of China.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

This study aims to examine resources and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and factors influencing TCM utilization in urban community health centers (CHCs) in Hubei Province of China. A cross-sectional survey including 234 government-owned CHCs was conducted in 2009. One-way analysis of variance analysis and a Poisson regression model were used to examine distribution of TCM resources and factors influencing TCM utilization. This study found unequal distribution of TCM resources among districts. TCM outpatient visits were positively associated with higher economic development districts, lower initial capital investment of the CHCs, health services covered by health insurance, higher qualification of TCM physicians, provision of TCM health records and rehabilitation, and greater availability of herbal medicine. To achieve equal access to TCM services, policy makers should consider the socioeconomic differences and income groups, provide training for TCM physicians, build pathway to recruit senior TCM physicians, and cover more TCM therapies by health insurance.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Cai, Y; Mao, Z; Xu, B; Wu, B

Published Date

  • March 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 27 / 2

Start / End Page

  • NP2489 - NP2497

PubMed ID

  • 23858517

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1941-2479

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1010-5395

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/1010539513491415

Language

  • eng