Perception of acupuncture among users and nonusers: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique.
• Understanding perceptions of acupuncture is crucial for its integration into healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore user and nonuser perceptions of acupuncture.
• To identify factors influencing acupuncture adoption and practitioner selection.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative methodology.
• Interviews with 37 participants aged 35 and older.
• Exploration of perceived advantages, disadvantages, and selection criteria.

Main Results:

• Users perceive acupuncture as effective, safe, and having lasting benefits.
• Nonusers perceive acupuncture as lacking clinical evidence, high-risk, and non-standardized.
• Nonusers express lower confidence in acupuncture compared to biomedicine.
• Social communication and practitioner qualifications influence acupuncturist selection.

Conclusions:

• Significant perception gaps exist between acupuncture users and nonusers.
• Addressing nonuser concerns regarding efficacy and standardization is key for wider acceptance.
• Marketing strategies should highlight clinical evidence and practitioner expertise.