Zhi-biao and Zhi-ben — A Health Belief in Illness Attribution and Illness Coping
Date Issued
2006
Date
2006
Author(s)
Hsu, Chen-Te
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to explore lay people’s belief of " zhi-biao " (deal with the symptom of a disease) and " zhi-ben " (cure a disease) and its relevance to the management of illness.
This study approaches the above objective by using a mixed methodology of combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative part collected data by conducting in-depth interviewing with 21 patients in a medical center. Their conceptualization of " zhi-biao " and " zhi-ben " were derived, examined, and described, and were further related to illness attribution and illness coping. Based on the findings of the qualitative method, an instrument was developed to collect quantitative data through a nation-wide telephone survey among adults aged 18 years and older. Valid data from 1057 respondents was acquired, which resulted in a response rate of 93.7%.
The major findings of the study were: (1) the laypersons’ account of " zhi-biao " and " zhi-ben " included specific dimensions of elucidation and conceptualization, which has close link to traditional health concepts. (2) Consensus did not exist with regard to the renowned notion “Western medicine alleviates symptoms and Chinese medicine cures diseases.” All medicine sub-systems were considered competent in symptoms alleviation and diseases curing. (3) Curing, the concept that pinpoint the underlying causes or basis of a disease, and the related traditional health concept “personal constitution” were commonly held. These concepts were central to health maintenance and use of health care services.
To illuminate belief underlie illness etiology and health seeking such as " zhi-biao " and " zhi-ben " from a lay perspective can shed light on understanding the mechanism ad process embedded in the pattern of health seeking behavior.
Subjects
治標
治本
多元求醫
zhi-biao
zhi-ben
culture
pluralistic health seeking
Type
thesis
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