The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in managing oral health--Hong Kong: one country, two systems.

OBJECTIVES

To determine knowledge, use, and interest in traditional methods to manage oral health among Hong Kong adults.

DESIGN

A cross sectional epidemiological survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A random sample of 500 Hong Kong adults.

METHODS

Telephone interviews about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches to mange oral health, employing a battery of 50 questions over a one month period in 2002.

RESULTS

Most completed the interview (96%, 481/500). Over half (52%, 250/481) had some knowledge about using TCM to manage oral health. Approximately a third (32%, 155/481) reported using TCM to manage their oral health in the past, most frequently for oral mucosal lesions (65%, 101/155) or for periodontal reasons (62%, 96/155). TCM was used predominately in combination with western dentistry or as a last resort (55%, 86/155). Most (89%, 428/481) expressed an interest in TCM approaches to managing oral health, particularly if administered by their dentist (54%, 259/481), and expressed many reasons for such interest. Socio-demographic variations in knowledge, use and interest in the use of TCM to manage oral health were apparent (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge, use and interest in traditional based approaches to managing oral health is widespread in Hong Kong, and is associated with age and educational attainment.