Using the theory of planned behaviour to explain use of traditional Chinese medicine

among Hong Kong Chinese in Britain

Tina L Rochelle1; Steven M Shardlow2; Sik Hung Ng3

1City University of Hong Kong; 2University of Keele; 3Renmin University of China

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2015,

DOI:10.1155/2015/564648


Research background

The number of Chinese immigrants in Britain has

increased to about 500,000. Most of them live in big

cities such as London and Manchester, where

traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provisions are

becoming more available alongside Western

medicine. Little is known of the health-seeking

behaviour of Chinese immigrants especially in

relation to TCM, and how the use of TCM may

impact on their use or under-use of Western

medicine.

Research purpose

The present study aimed to examine the utilisation

of TCM among Chinese immigrants in the UK

from Hong Kong, using the theory of planned

behaviour (TPB). Specifically, the study examined

predictors of TCM utilisation and satisfaction with

TCM services.

Method

A cross-sectional survey approach was adopted. The

survey questionnaire measured the following

domains: cultural attachment; TPB constructs of

attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural

control relating to the use of TCM; SF-12 Health

Survey. A total of 272 Hong Kong Chinese

individuals aged between 15 and 91 years (M =

46.55; SD = 18.53) enrolled in the study. Length of

residence in the UK ranged from 1-58 years

(M=21.35; SD=15.14).

Results

In terms of self-rated health, 40% of respondents

rated their health as acceptable, relative to their

age, while a further 36% of respondents rated their

health as good.

• Seventy-sex percent of respondents had

experience of using Western health services in

Britain.

• A quarter of respondents reported experience of

using TCM in Britain, with 14% having consulted

a TCM practitioner within the last six months.

• Findings revealed that TCM utilisation was

associated with the subjective norm domain of

TPB, but not with the attitude or perceived

behavioural control domain.

• Significantly, TCM users were more likely to be

female, older and have a strong sense of

attachment to Chinese culture.

• Satisfaction with using TCM was positively

associated with women, older age, and attachment

to Chinese culture.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the potentials as well as

limitations of the TPB in understanding healthseeking

behaviours, with particular reference to TCM

utilisation and satisfaction, whilst also throwing light

on the influence of a strong attachment to Chinese

culture, older age and being a woman.