Youth Inquiry of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Preferences in Local High Schools

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division H - Section 1: Applied Research in Schools Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

In an intergenerational youth participatory action research, high school students collaborate with university researchers on community-based research projects. This poster presents a case addressing the preferences and influencing factors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine among youth peers. Through a survey of fifty students and follow-up interviews with four students and two medical professionals, the youth identify knowledge gaps and social mechanisms (e.g., family, media, school education) that shape local high school students’ healthcare attitudes. Stereotypes about both TCM and Western medicine are revealed, and family and media are identified as the main influencing factors. The research offers insights for scholars to promote medical equity for future generations and provides knowledge about cognitive development in specific contexts.

Authors

• Jianqi Wang, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China

• Zili Zhang, Pennsylvania State University

• Vivian L. Gadsden, University of Pennsylvania