Changes in trust and the use of Korean medicine in South Korea: a comparison of surveys in 2011 and 2014.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Korean medicine (KM) has been widely used in Korea. This study aimed to assess the general perceptions of KM, to investigate the patterns of its usage in 2014, and to compare the results with those of an earlier survey from 2011.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1000 Korean people. The questionnaire included items regarding trust in KM, reasons for distrust of KM, and visit frequency to KM clinics. This study used methods consistent with those of a 2011 survey to examine changes in attitudes over 3 years.

Results

Despite high rates of trust in KM, the visit frequency decreased from 69.3% in 2011 to 63.2% in 2014. Usage among young adults (in their 20s and 30s) was significantly reduced compared to all other age groups. The KM modality most

SUBMITTER: Kwon S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5603087 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature