Overview of TCM Usage and Perception in Rural China (2023 CASS Survey)

The 2023 survey by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) of 1,000 rural residents across 10 provinces reveals a strong grassroots foundation for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in rural areas, alongside key challenges and policy expectations.

1. High Acceptance and Usage

• Trust: 83% of rural residents trust TCM, reflecting deep cultural认同 (cultural identity) and perceived efficacy.
• Usage: 65% have used TCM in the past year, with frequent usage common: 32% monthly, 28% 2-3 times/month, 22% once/month, and 18% less than once/month.

2. Drivers of TCM Preference

Residents choose TCM primarily for:

• Effectiveness in chronic diseases (58%),
• Natural ingredients (45%),
• Lower cost (32%),
• Fewer side effects (28%).

3. Key Barriers to Access

Major obstacles include:

• Shortage of TCM practitioners (42%),
• Limited TCM services in local clinics (35%),
• High cost of some TCM treatments (28%),
• Lack of understanding of TCM (22%).

4. Policy Expectations

Rural residents strongly call for government support:

• 78% want increased investment in TCM services,
• 65% hope for more TCM training for local doctors,
• 52% need subsidies for TCM treatments.

Analysis

The data highlights TCM’s popularity in rural areas but also critical gaps in infrastructure and human resources. Addressing these barriers—via practitioner training, service expansion, and cost subsidies—could unlock TCM’s potential to improve rural healthcare accessibility and outcomes. The public’s policy expectations align with national efforts to integrate TCM into primary care, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in rural regions.

This overview distills the survey’s core insights, balancing positive demand signals with actionable challenges for policymakers.

作者声明:本文包含人工智能生成内容。