Scientific epistemology beliefs and acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A multigroup analysis based on the UTAUT model in Southern China
Authors
Minrui Zhang
aDepartment of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
Aiyuan Cai
bThe Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
Kexin Jin
cShenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518100, China
Jiaying Huang
eYue Bei People's Hospital, Shaoguan, 512026, China
Dan Li
aDepartment of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
Meihui He
fCenter for Studies of Psychological Application, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, and School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
Ruixiang Gao
fCenter for Studies of Psychological Application, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, and School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
Keywords:
Pediatric TCM, Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, Scientific literacy, Multigroup path analysis
Abstract
Purpose
This study for the first time delves into the intricate relationship between scientific literacy and the acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by employing a multigroup path analysis based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. We adopted Scientific Epistemology Belief (SEB) as an indicator for measuring scientific literacy due to its comprehensive reflection of individuals' understanding of scientific knowledge and knowing. In assessing TCM acceptance, we focused on Chinese parents' receptivity towards pediatric TCM, as it offers a more genuine representation of actual inclinations.
Methods
A convenience sample of 1016 Chinese parents in Southern China was assessed using online Likert-scale questionnaires on SEB and UTAUT determinants (including performance expectancy, social influence, risk awareness, and facilitating conditions). A K-means cluster analysis was employed to discern distinct SEB profiles, followed by a multigroup path analysis to ascertain UTAUT model variations across these profiles.
Results
Five SEB profiles were identified, namely, intermediate, absolutistic, multiplistic, sophisticated, and evidence-based. Evidence-based believers manifested the highest pediatric TCM acceptance, albeit with elements of blind faith, while multiplistic skeptics, prone to questioning everything, displayed the least acceptance. The absolutistic, intermediate, and sophisticated demonstrated moderate TCM acceptance levels, with the intermediate profile outscoring both absolutistic and sophisticated. These findings highlight that individuals with high scientific literacy do not blindly endorse TCM, nor do those with limited scientific understanding fully appreciate TCM's merits.
Conclusion
SEB significantly moderates TCM acceptance factors in the UTAUT model, indicating that extremes in scientific knowledge spectrum result in less balanced TCM perspectives. Our findings pave the way for novel insights into harmonizing modern and traditional medical practices.
Keywords: Pediatric TCM, Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, Scientific literacy, Multigroup path analysis
Author Biographies
Minrui Zhang, aDepartment of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
dXiaorong Luo's Renowned Expert Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
Aiyuan Cai, bThe Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
dXiaorong Luo's Renowned Expert Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
Dan Li, aDepartment of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
dXiaorong Luo's Renowned Expert Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
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