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Use of Chinese medicine among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco

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Abstract

Objectives

To explore the utilization patterns and attitudes toward Chinese medicine (CM) among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted at 11 community organizations at San Francisco over a 2-month period.

Results

Among 244 participants using any healthcare services in the 2 years prior, 195 (80%) reported using CM. Over 90% of the CM users reported visiting conventional medical providers in the same period. Use of CM was significantly associated with recent immigration, origination from mainland China, lack of insurance, high school graduation, and marital status. Frequently used CM modalities included herbal prescriptions (52%) and over-the-counter herbal pills (44%). Half (48.2%) of the CM users reported using multiple CM modalities, and a third (35.9%) reported regular CM visits over the past 6 months. Of CM users, 36% reported informing physicians of their CM use. Of CM users that did not inform physicians of CM use, half (48.4%) indicated willingness to openly discuss the topic with their healthcare providers.

Conclusions

CM utilization is common among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco. Many use conventional treatments and CM concurrently, but few inform their physicians of CM use. Foreign-born Chinese patients may be better served if physicians better recognized and understood their medical needs, treatment preferences and practices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92115, USA

    Chun Nok Lam

  2. Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    Chun Nok Lam & Sophie Terp

  3. University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA

    Marion M. Lee

Authors
  1. Chun Nok Lam
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  2. Sophie Terp
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  3. Marion M. Lee
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Correspondence to Chun Nok Lam.

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Lam, C.N., Terp, S. & Lee, M.M. Use of Chinese medicine among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco. Chin. J. Integr. Med. (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-014-1991-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-014-1991-3

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