Study on the public’s awareness and knowledge of TCM on the prevention of COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and there is no anti-viral therapy and vaccine available currently. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been effective in the prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases. However, in Singapore, TCM is generally used to supplement chronic disease treatment or for pain management. Hence, there has been a lack of understanding on the local awareness and knowledge of TCM for preventing infectious disease. Hence, this study aims to understand the societal awareness and knowledge of TCM on COVID- 19 prevention. A survey was disseminated. A total of 165 responds were collected, where 7 respondents were COVID-19 risk adverse. Though 87.9% believed that TCM have a role during this period, 83% did not engage in any TCM modalities to prevent COVID-19. 57.1% who had used TCM modalities during this period reflected no increment in usage. 49.7% were uncertain of using TCM to prevent COVID-19 relapses. Similar results were found for those risk adverse. Prescribed herbal medicine was the most preferred TCM modalities. From the lack of usage and low frequency of usage, it could be concluded that Singaporeans have a weak awareness and knowledge of TCM on COVID-19 prevention. More is needed to bridge this gap.