3Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University
4Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University
5Taipei Chinese Medical Association
【Summary】
Abstract
Background: This research addresses the lack of sufficient investigation into stress levels, confidence in medical efficacy, and attitudes towards vaccine side effects among Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) professionals during the pandemic. The study aims to analyze stress levels and confidence in TCM treatment among TCM practitioners in Taiwan during the pandemic. Additionally, it examines vaccine side effects experienced by these professionals and their satisfaction with using TCM to alleviate these side effects.
Methods: Data from the Taipei Chinese Medicine Association’s vaccine survey database were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was distributed between April and June 2021 to TCM professionals in Taipei. Stress levels were assessed using the "Acute Stress Scale," TCM attitudes and satisfaction were evaluated with the "COVID-19 Traditional Chinese Medicine Attitude Scale," and vaccine side effects were assessed using the "Vaccine Side Effect Survey." Comparisons were made among TCM professionals regarding pandemic-related stress, vaccine attitudes, and TCM attitudes, including total scores and individual subscale scores. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between stress levels and TCM attitudes.
Results: The study included 281 participants. Taiwan’s TCM professionals had an average total score of 42.1 on the Acute Stress Scale, indicating a moderate level of acute stress. Participants exhibited high confidence in TCM with an average score of 8.7 and expressed high satisfaction with TCM treatment with a mean score of 8.5. Over 70% of the respondents were willing to seek TCM treatment for vaccine-related side effects. 93.2% of TCM professionals reported experiencing vaccine-related side effects, with 43.1% occurring within 12 hours, higher than the general population’s rate. Regression analysis indicated that vaccine side effects such as joint pain, chills, muscle soreness, and fever could increase acute stress. However, TCM treatment appeared to alleviate pandemic-related stress.
Conclusion: This study provides insights into post-vaccination symptoms, confidence, and satisfaction related to TCM treatment among TCM professionals in Taiwan regarding vaccination. The findings can inform future policies promoting infectious disease prevention measures.
【Keywords】
Traditional Chinese Medicine, COVID-19, Vaccine, Stress, Healthcare Professionals