# Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding traditional Chinese medicine therapies among COPD patients: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study explores how COPD patients in China understand and use traditional Chinese medicine therapies, finding a gap between their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

## Contribution

The study identifies a significant gap between COPD patients' knowledge of TCM therapies and their actual practices, suggesting a need for educational interventions.

## Key findings

- Participants showed insufficient knowledge of TCM therapies for COPD.
- Positive attitudes toward TCM were observed, but practices were suboptimal.
- Knowledge directly influenced both attitudes and practices among COPD patients.

## Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies among COPD patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Xinjin District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Shuangliu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, from January 11 and April 22, 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included demographic information and KAP-related assessments.

A total of 490 valid responses were obtained, yielding a valid response rate of 87.19%. Most respondents were male (67.1%), married (89.6%), and residing in rural areas (55.9%). Their mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 8.89 ± 5.39 (possible range: 0–22), 39.84 ± 4.16 (possible range: 11–55), and 37.44 ± 5.68 (possible range: 11–55), respectively. The structural equation modeling results showed that the direct effect of knowledge on both attitude (β = 0.316, P = 0.012) and practice (β = 0.753, P = 0.013).

Although participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and suboptimal engagement in TCM-related practices for COPD. This gap among the three KAP dimensions underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to better align knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to TCM therapies for COPD.