Utilization of Chinese and Western Medicine in Taiwan's Health Insurance Program
Author Information
Author(s): Chang Lee-Chin, Huang Nicole, Chou Yiing-Jenq, Lee Chen-Hua, Kao Feng-Yu, Huang Yi-Tsau
Primary Institution: National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
Hypothesis
This study aims to understand the utilization patterns of Chinese medicine (CM) and Western medicine (WM) under Taiwan's National Health Insurance Program.
Conclusion
The study found an increasing trend in the utilization of Chinese medicine in Taiwan, likely due to its coverage under the national health insurance system.
Supporting Evidence
- The odds of using Chinese medicine increased from 1997 to 2003.
- Females had higher odds of using both Chinese and Western medicine compared to males.
- The utilization of Chinese medicine peaked in the 45-54 age group.
- Over 90% of Chinese medicine services were provided by clinics.
Takeaway
More people in Taiwan are using Chinese medicine, especially since it's covered by health insurance, but Western medicine is still used more often overall.
Methodology
The study analyzed NHI sample files from 1997 to 2003, using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for the utilization of CM and WM.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias from excluding newborns, deceased individuals, and those with incomplete data.
Limitations
The study may have selection bias due to the exclusion of certain groups and reliance on NHI claims data, which may underestimate CM utilization.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":68135,"female":68585},"age_groups":{"2-7":9648,"8-14":11933,"15-24":23244,"25-34":26903,"35-44":27307,"45-54":17273,"55-64":9986,"65+":10426},"socioeconomic_status":{"< US$640":54729,"US$640-1279":29788,"≥ US$1280":11137,"farmers_and_fishermen":21568,"others":19498}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.45–1.50
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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