Uitilization of TCM - Comparison between Rural & Urban Communities

TCM in Malaysia is generally well accepted by both rural and urban communities.

However, rural communities have a greater tendency to use TCM for certain conditions like musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses that are thought to be supernatural in nature.

Reasons for greater usage of TCM in rural communities:

· Perceived longer period of recovery from orthodox medicine (Musculoskeletal injuries)
· Fear of undergoing surgery & implantation with foreign objects like plaster & cast
· Trust experienced TCM practitioners more than young rural doctors
· Modern hospital or clinical setting provides limited opportunities for patients or family members to be involved
· Objections from elders and community residents in seeking modern treatment
· Cost - modern medicine generally more expensive than TCM
· Orthodox medicine tend to treat symptoms rather than causes/ Orthodox physicians do not address the concerns of the patients
· Inclusion of spiritual elements in TCM - key factor for rural Malay communities who respect the unseen supernatural forces of nature and their concept of universe

Contributed by John Lee

Source:
Preferential Utilization of Healthcare Systems by a Malaysian Rural Community for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Injuries by K M Ariff

An Estate Injury

Patient’s perspective regarding work:

- patients in rural settings are more likely to be worried about their work when they get injuries

- in rural, many work in plantations, farm etc. (work for themselves, not under an employer)

- thus, any injuries would cause them to be unable to work

- no Medical Certificate, or sick leave, no compensation (?)

- when injured, lose source of income

- worse in men, usually the bread winner of the family. Seen as weak by the community

- in rural, community responses better. Smaller community, they know each other. When someone is sick, comes to visit. Tries to help out if possible

- different in urban setting. Don’t know your own neighbours. Too busy working no time to visit those who are sick.

- usually women would look after the sick. Take over roles if possible. Take care of the family. Different in urban areas because many women work.

(Posted by: Vivian)