• Cheng-Yu Chuang, Hui-Yu Chung, Fu-Shih Chen, and Ichiro Arai.
• Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan.
• J Chin Med Assoc. 2024 Oct 21.

BackgroundDespite numerous surveys on traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their impact on people in Taiwan, only a few directly assessed the perspectives of the users and their experiences with the practice. In this study, we aimed to explore the attitudes, experiences, and understanding of TCMs, and also to identify the TCMs that are commonly preferred among people in Taiwan.MethodsWe conducted an online survey among people in Taiwan to reflect the views of the general public on TCMs in 2022. Medical-related personnel were excluded. Question topics included experience, impressions, access, and expectations.ResultsThere were 518 participants. More than 95% of them had taken TCMs. "Work gently" was the most common positive impression, and "Slow to take effect" was the most common negative impression. Among the over-the-counter TCMs that were taken by the participants, "Si Wu Tang," which is used for disorders in women, was the most common. The main expectations for TCMs were to help to improve daily health and prevent diseases. Although the participants were highly aware of TCMs, there was still room for improvement. For example, 30% of the participants still did not know that TCMs may have side effects.ConclusionThe people in Taiwan who participated in the survey had a relatively positive impression of and experience with TCMs, but there were still some cognitive blind spots that need to be filled. It is essential to strengthen the publicity and education about TCMs and improve the public's understanding and correct use of TCMs.Copyright © 2024, the Chinese Medical Association.

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