Purpose
The objective of this study is to assess opinions and prophylactic use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chinese immigrants population in Canada.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020 in Canada. Individuals with Chinese living in Canada at the time of the survey were invited to participate in an online survey. All eligible study participants were asked to answer a list of questions related to COVID-19 prevention including TCM and western medicine.
Results
A total of 747 eligible respondents were included for the analysis. A large majority of the participants (65.8%) were female and 28.6% were 55 years of age or older. Overall, 48.4% of the study participants believed that TCM was efficacious in preventing COVID-19 and 46.2% would use TCM. However, the corresponding numbers for western medicine were 20.8% and 39.9%, which were statistically lower (P<0.01). Females were more likely to use TCM prophylactically during the study period with corresponding OR (95% CI) of 1.60 (1.15, 2.23). Older participants and those born in mainland China were more likely to have a positive attitude and to use TCM. The satisfaction level of income was also significantly associated with TCM belief, with OR (95% CI) of dissatisfaction compared with satisfaction of 2.47 (1.56-3.92).
Conclusions
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, TCM was widely believed and used as a means of preventing COVID-19 in Chinese immigrants population in Canada.
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by the New Frontiers Research Fund [NFRF-2019-00012] through the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).