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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Yangzihan Wang, Dr Adam RathboneORCiD, Dr Colin MillardORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
© 2024. This study queries why Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has remained an important health care choice for the Chinese population living in the UK after decades of settlement. Data was gathered through participant observation and unstructured interviews in a TCM clinic in London. 105 h of observation and 3 in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data analysis was done using a modified grounded theory (M-GT). This study focused on the activities and views of the clinical staff and the use of the clinic by different user groups. The analysis used an intersectionality approach to understand health behaviours. The study found that the utilisation of TCM was deeply related to multiple factors simultaneously, including, immigrant identity, language problems, limited access to mainstream health services, social isolation, and the health demands of aging Chinese immigrants. These factors worked together to make TCM an essential healthcare resource primarily to serve the aged Chinese people, young students and vulnerable immigrants, especially those who are undocumented. The study suggests that future research and policy making should consider the multiple, simultaneous dilemmas faced by social groups. Policymakers should take into consideration these dynamics and their likely impact on healthcare delivery policies. Further research also needs to be done to ensure the safety and efficacy of TCM.
Author(s): Wang Y, Rathbone AP, Millard C
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Social Sciences and Humanities Open
Year: 2024
Volume: 10
Online publication date: 23/07/2024
Acceptance date: 16/07/2024
Date deposited: 29/07/2024
ISSN (electronic): 2590-2911
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101045
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101045
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