Chinese language patients' perceptions on thyroid disease and treatment: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Chinese language speakers comprise a significant proportion of the United States patient population. This qualitative study seeks to characterize health beliefs among Chinese-speaking patients with thyroid disease to inform culturally competent care.

METHODS

Thirteen Chinese-speaking patients (mean age 47; 12 female) participated in semi-structured interviews exploring beliefs about thyroid disease and its management.

RESULTS

Participants reported limited knowledge of thyroid disease and desired more accessible education. Thyroid disease was viewed as minimally disruptive relative to other diseases or malignancies with family history, environmental exposures, and stress as contributors to development. Experiences with conventional thyroid treatment were marked by logistical and relational challenges. While modern medicine was seen as effective, some perceived it to be overly aggressive and believed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may have a valuable, complementary role in management.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research may seek to investigate the integration of TCM and conventional thyroid care to improve therapeutic relationships and health outcomes for Chinese-language patients.