Investigation of KAP Regarding the Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Usage Among Special Populations in Shaanxi Region

Abstract

Objective: To assess the current status of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to the safety of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) usage among special populations in the Shaanxi region, and to identify various risk factors associated with unsafe medication practices. Methods: A random sampling method was employed to distribute and collect 500 valid questionnaires. Statistical analysis
was conducted using SPSS software. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the scores for medication knowledge based
on monthly income, education level, and occupation. Significant differences were found in medication attitude scores based on age, monthly
income, place of residence, medical insurance, education level, employment status, and occupation. Employment status significantly affected
the scores for positive medication behaviors. Differences in negative medication behavior scores were statistically significant across different
places of residence, monthly incomes, employment statuses, and occupations. Conclusion: There are multiple safety risks in the perceptions,
behaviors, and attitudes towards TCM usage among the special populations in the Shaanxi region. There is a need for various methods and
channels to actively promote medication education to reduce the health hazards and waste of pharmaceutical resources caused by improper
medication use.