Geographic patterns of knowledge and use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Manhattan's Chinatown.

摘要

This study examines the geographic patterns, knowledge and utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Manhattan's Chinatown in New York State. In exploring TCM patterns within Manhattan's Chinatown, utilization will be studied by: (1) evaluating the use among Chinese and non-Chinese, (2) comparing the knowledge of TCM between the Chinese and non-Chinese, and (3) determining the attitudes towards TCM use in disease treatment among the Chinese and non-Chinese. In addition, TCM businesses were studied based on their cost. The findings of the study indicated TCM users had many attributes such as being less educated, older, and were Chinese. The average cost of services also differs across Chinatown.