A survey of Japanese people's attitude to and experience of Kampo medicines

Abstract

AbstractAimKampo medicine is traditional Japanese herbal medicine derived from ancient Chinese medicine. In the past, the Japan Kampo Medicines Manufacturers Association conducted surveys and reported on the awareness and experience of Kampo medicines among those participating in Kampo workshops as well as the local community. Here, we investigated the Japanese public's awareness and experience of using Kampo medicines through an online questionnaire. In addition, we analyzed how Kampo medicines are perceived and presented a favorable prospect for Kampo medicines.MethodsIn 2020, we conducted an online survey of registered Japanese members (aged over 25 years) of a research company.ResultsA total of 2060 respondents answered the questionnaire. Of these, 71% had taken Kampo medicines. Among this group, 63.5% obtained Kampo medicines through a doctor's prescription, 46.3% purchased Kampo medicines through pharmacies, drugstores, over the Internet, or by mail order, and only 11.3% had purchased Kampo medicines at Kampo specialty pharmacies. Although many people have taken Kampo medicines, they do not always have an accurate understanding of Kampo medicines as medicines. Especially in the case of Kampo medicines for prescription, people take them passively and do not have a strong awareness of Kampo medicines. In contrast, over‐the‐counter Kampo medicines are widely recognized as drugs.ConclusionMedical personnel, manufacturers, and pharmacists need to provide accurate information about Kampo medicines.