Taiwanese Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of polysaccharides from Antrodia cinnamomea: A review.

Antrodia cinnamomea (Ac), also known as "Niu-Chang-Chih" in Chinese, is a valuable fungus that has been widely used as medicine and food among indigenous people in Taiwan. Ac is rich in polysaccharides (Ac-PS), making it a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy in cancer and inflammation conditions. There are two types of Ac-PS: general (non-sulfated) PS (Ac-GPS) and sulfated PS (Ac-SPS). This review highlights that both Ac-GPS and Ac-SPS possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Each type influences interleukin signaling pathways to exert its anti-inflammatory effects. Ac-GPS is particularly effective in alleviating inflammation in the brain and liver, while Ac-SPS shows its efficacy in macrophage models. Both Ac-GSP and Ac-SPS have demonstrated anti-cancer effects supported by in vitro and in vivo studies, primarily through inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. They may also synergize with chemotherapy and exhibit anti-angiogenic properties. Notably, Ac-SPS appears to have superior anti-cancer efficacy, potentially due to its sulfate groups. Furthermore, Ac-SPS has been more extensively studied in terms of its mechanisms and effects on lung cancer compared with Ac-GPS, highlighting its significance in cancer research. In addition, Ac-SPS is often reported for its ability to activate macrophage-mediated responses. Clinically, Ac-GPS has been used as an adjunctive therapy for advanced lung cancer, as noted in recent reports. However, given the numerous studies emphasizing its anti-cancer mechanisms, Ac-SPS may exhibit greater efficacy, warranting further investigation. This review concludes that Ac-derived Ac-GPS or Ac-SPS have the potential to be developed into functional health supplements or adjunctive therapies, providing dual benefits of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

Articulating Indigeneity in the messiness: Resource politics and capitalism in Qalang na Tayal (Tayal communities), Taiwan

This paper addresses Indigenous articulation in contemporary resource politics and capitalist markets, beginning with the contestation over Indigeneity within the socio-political context of Taiwan. Indigenous peoples in Taiwan have been challenged by the spatial trope of the ‘mountain’. This complex trope encompasses not only topographical aspects but also socio-cultural and political-economic characteristics. It has historically represented remote, montane areas and their populations as primitive, barbarian, and uncivilized, in contrast to the modern and developed plains. This paper presents two case studies to challenge the hegemonic construction of Indigeneity: a water management committee and a tomato cooperative. These case studies illustrate how Tayal people connect across time and place, and how they engage in a reconfiguration of the mountain imaginary, thereby producing a shift that heralds the mountains as authentically Indigenous. Tayal people articulate existence and belonging-together-in-place with non- Tayal settlers in novel ways. They have persisted and resisted in their homeland despite consistently facing stereotypes. This paper argues that there is no singular Indigenous other; therefore, there is no single way of being Indigenous. It also posits that the Tayal people’s articulation is deeply rooted in their collective sense of belonging-together-in-place. Finally, this paper proposes an ontological shift urging geographers and fellow academics to engage with Indigenous people in contested cultural landscapes.

A survey of attitudes toward and experiences with traditional Chinese medicines among people in Taiwan.

Despite numerous surveys on traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their impact on people in Taiwan, only a few directly assessed the perspectives of the users and their experiences with the practice. In this study, we aimed to explore the attitudes, experiences, and understanding of TCMs, and also to identify the TCMs that are commonly preferred among people in Taiwan. We conducted an online survey among people in Taiwan to reflect the views of the general public on TCMs in 2022. Medical-related personnel were excluded. Question topics included experience, impressions, access, and expectations. There were 518 participants. More than 95% of them had taken TCMs. "Work gently" was the most common positive impression, and "Slow to take effect" was the most common negative impression. Among the over-the-counter TCMs that were taken by the participants, "Si Wu Tang," which is used for disorders in women, was the most common. The main expectations for TCMs were to help to improve daily health and prevent diseases. Although the participants were highly aware of TCMs, there was still room for improvement. For example, 30% of the participants still did not know that TCMs may have side effects. The people in Taiwan who participated in the survey had a relatively positive impression of and experience with TCMs, but there were still some cognitive blind spots that need to be filled. It is essential to strengthen the publicity and education about TCMs and improve the public's understanding and correct use of TCMs.

Entanglement in an Endangered Situation: Paiwan Society and the Conservation of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle

Abstract The mountain hawk-eagle has a special status among the indigenous Paiwan people of Taiwan. This article examines the historical evolution of the use of this eagle’s feathers amid social transformations within Paiwan culture. It also addresses the bird’s endangered status and proposed conservation strategies to protect it. Wildlife management collaborations between indigenous communities and conservationists have sparked conflicts in values and worldviews that are challenging to reconcile. While the Paiwan wish to continue using the eagle’s feathers in important cultural rituals, this increased demand exacerbates hunting pressures on the species. This article seeks to find a better balance between preserving cultural practices and ensuring species survival. Drawing on four years of fieldwork among the Paiwan, it demonstrates the complexities of navigating entangled human–animal relationships in the context of species endangerment.

Willingness to eat seafood among Taiwanese after the 2023 Fukushima radioactive water release: An extended Theory of Planned Behavior approach

The release of radioactive water from Fukushima in 2023 emerged as a significant nuclear issue, particularly affecting Taiwanese perceptions. This study aimed to investigate the willingness of Taiwanese people to consume seafood following the 2023 Fukushima2 incident, using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. A total of 204 Taiwanese respondents completed an online questionnaire comprising 28 TPB indicators. The results from Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that subjective norms had the strongest positive influence on the intention to eat seafood, followed by personal attitudes and financial considerations. Interestingly, perceived behavioral control was found to negatively impact the intention to consume seafood. This research is among the first to explore seafood consumption intentions in the wake of the Fukushima water release and provides a robust theoretical foundation for stakeholders aiming to promote seafood consumption, particularly among Taiwanese consumers.

Transfusion safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan: Altered by evolving control strategies

BackgroundIn 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron surge affected 8.8 million people in Taiwan. This study delves into how the transition from containment to mitigation strategies in COVID-19 control has altered concerns regarding transfusion safety. MethodsBlood donations during 2020–2022 in Taiwan were included. Donation details and post-donation information (PDI) were retrieved to assess donation fluctuations and incidences of various PDI. The main effects of PDI reporting were assessed using chi-square test and logistic regression. Additionally, from April to August 2022, we collected disease information from COVID-19 donors, and tested their repository specimens for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies. ResultsBefore 2022, when containment measures were in place, only 8 blood donors with COVID-19 reported PDI. However, by mid-2021, there was a significant decrease in blood donations. In 2022, with mitigation strategies implemented, a total of 3483 donations reported COVID-19 PDI. The incidence of all cause PDI increased from 10.5 per 10,000 donations in 2020–2021 to 29.9 per 10,000 in 2022, with nearly 70% of PDI being related to COVID-19. Female donors reported more PDI events. Additionally, the incidence significantly decreased with age. A total of 1148 repository specimens from COVID-19 donor were tested, revealing no detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The seroprevalence rates of anti-nucleocapsid(N) and anti-spike(S) antibodies were 0.61% and 98.4%, respectively. ConclusionTransfusion safety concerns in Taiwan progressed alongside the evolution of control strategies, with a one-year delay following the pandemic started. The absence of RNAemia among COVID-19 donors indicates that precautionary measures were commensurate with the risk.

Sexual Identity Development, Psychiatric Risk, and Protective Factors Among Bisexual People in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Purpose: This study aimed to uncover sexual identity development and investigate the psychiatric risks for bisexual people across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan by examining ecologically informed factors at the individual, family, and community levels. Methods: An internet-based survey was administered to 685 respondents, from June to August 2021, reached primarily through lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community organizations and professional networks. Participants reported their demographics, identity milestones, and psychiatric symptoms. Results: Significant birth cohort and regional differences were observed regarding bisexual identity milestones. Individuals who were older, transgender and/or nonbinary, and based in Taiwan disclosed their sexual identity more. All respondents reported clinically elevated depression and anxiety symptoms, with a majority experiencing moderately severe depression (60%) and moderate or severe anxiety (80%). Approximately half of respondents contemplated suicide in the past year. Compared with cisgender women, identifying as transgender and nonbinary assigned female at birth was significantly associated with increased depression and higher odds of suicidal ideation in the past year. Enhanced self-esteem was associated with greater well-being and decreased psychiatric symptoms. Experiencing family shame was associated with increased anxiety and depression. At the community level, living in Hong Kong was linked to lower depression and suicidal ideation compared to mainland China. The presence of an LGBT group correlated with improved psychological well-being. Conclusions: Chinese bisexual people face substantial risks for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, influenced by factors including self-esteem, transgender and nonbinary gender identity, family dynamics, and community context. Significant birth cohort and regional differences in bisexual identity development exist.

Understanding the behaviors and counseling need of COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwanese people through Health Belief Model

Understanding the behaviors and counseling need of COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwanese people through Health Belief Model

Nutrition and Health Diet Promotion Act—Opening a New Era of Health Awareness among Taiwan People

Nutrition and Health Diet Promotion Act—Opening a New Era of Health Awareness among Taiwan People

The risk of herpes zoster is positively associated with obesity, especially morbid obesity

This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity and herpes zoster (HZ) occurrence. This study used data covering 2 million people in Taiwan in 2000, which were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database. The cohort study observed aged 20–100 years with obesity from 2000 to 2017 (tracking to 2018). Obesity was indicated by the presence of two or more outpatient diagnoses or at least one admission record. And, obesity was categorized into non-morbid obesity and morbid obesity. Patients with HZ before the index date were excluded. The obesity cohort and control cohort were matched 1:1 according to age, sex, comorbidities, and index year. There were 18,855 patients in both the obesity and control cohorts. The obesity cohort [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.09] had a higher risk of HZ than the control cohort. Further analysis, the morbid obesity group (aHR 1.47), had a significantly higher risk of HZ than the non-morbid obesity group. Among the patients without any comorbidities, the patients with obesity had a significantly higher risk of developing HZ than the patients without obesity (aHR 1.18). Obese patients are at a higher risk of HZ development, especially in the patients with morbid obesity. Weight reduction is critical for preventing the onset of chronic diseases and decreasing the risk of HZ in patients with obesity.

Sustainable Consumption and Environmental Change in Taiwan: Understanding Consumer Perceptions and Narratives of Practice

This study investigates the perceptions and behaviors related to sustainable food consumption among various demographic groups in northern Taiwan, focusing on the metropolitan areas of Taipei City and New Taipei City. The narratives of Taiwanese people practicing sustainable eating were analyzed by applying practice theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants from diverse demographic backgrounds (e.g., university students, homemakers, professionals, and retirees). Their educational backgrounds and work experience were recorded. The research highlights the effects of urbanization on the food choices of consumers, highlighting challenges such as high costs, time constraints, and limited access to kitchen facilities among university students. High-income professionals and retirees exhibited a preference for organic and locally sourced foods, whereas middle-aged homemakers emphasized seasonality and support for small farmers. The crucial roles of information sources (e.g., online media and television) and various cultural factors (e.g., religious beliefs) in influencing sustainable food behaviors were also identified. Despite its regional focus, this study provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers that can support sustainable food consumption.

Assessing intrinsic capacity in Taiwan: Initial psychometric properties of the Integrated Care for Older People Screening Tool for Taiwanese (ICOPES-TW)

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) proposed the concept of intrinsic capacity (comprising composite physical and mental capacity) which aligns with their concepts of healthy aging and functional ability. Consequently, the WHO promotes the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework as guidance for geriatric care. Consequently, each government should have a screening tool corresponding to ICOPE framework to promote geriatric care. The present study examined the initial psychometric properties of the Taiwan version of ICOPE (i.e., ICOPES-TW).MethodsOlder people (n = 1235; mean age = 72.63 years; 634 females [51.3%]) were approached by well-trained interviewers for participation. A number of measures were administered including the ICOPES-TW, WHOQOL-AGE (assessing quality of life [QoL]), Clinical Frailty Scale (assessing frailty), Barthel Index (assessing basic activity of daily living [BADL]), and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (assessing instrumental activity of daily living [IADL]).ResultsThe ICOPES-TW had a two-factor structure (body functionality [eigenvalue = 1.932] and life adaptation [eigenvalue = 1.170]) as indicated by the results of exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the ICOPES-TW was low (Cronbach’s α = 0.55 [entire ICOPES-TW], 0.45 (body functionality factor), and 0.52 (life adaptation factor). ICOPES-TW scores were significantly (i) positively correlated with age (r = 0.321), IADL (r = 0.313), and frailty (r = 0.601), and (ii) negatively correlated with QoL (r=–0.447), and BADL (r=–0.447), with all p-values < 0.001.ConclusionThe ICOPES-TW could be a useful screening tool for healthcare providers to quickly evaluate intrinsic capacity for Taiwanese older people given that it has moderate to strong associations with age, BADL, IADL, QoL, and frailty.

A study on the determinants of Taiwanese people’s intention to reuse K-food (Franchise K-food, Instant K-food) : Focusing on the use of K-content, awareness of the Korean Wave, and expanded theory of planned behavior

A study on the determinants of Taiwanese people’s intention to reuse K-food (Franchise K-food, Instant K-food) : Focusing on the use of K-content, awareness of the Korean Wave, and expanded theory of planned behavior

The Ordinary Virtue and Moral Significance of Health Systems: the Case of Taiwan

Abstract The ordinary virtue of health systems is to secure some form of equitable access to health services for all in pursuit of the ideal of universal health coverage, which would sometimes be considered an integral part of the overall institutional arrangements protecting the human right to health. The history of human-established health systems has come close to an end. In this article, I use the Taiwanese health system as an illustrative case to demonstrate how the roles of a health system vary in different periods across multiple colonial histories. It was not until the 1990s, after Taiwan went through democratisation, that the health system began to display ordinary virtue. I further argue that, beyond the ordinary virtue, the Taiwanese health system has moral significance in (1) integrating divided and conflicting identities and forging a new, forward-looking one; and (2) representing Taiwanese people’s declaration against exclusionary global politics by devoting themselves to a space that protects the right to health and a way of life that cherishes the value of equitable access to health services for all.

The Settler Supernatural: Contemporary Taiwanese Popular Culture, the Environment, and the Nativisation of Han Taiwanese Legends

Abstract This article examines how Han Taiwanese myths and urban legends have been associated with the environment and native fauna in the best-selling popular non-fiction publication Monstrous Taiwan and the hit horror film The Tag-Along. This article also looks at how these works can be considered within the framework of settler colonial studies in East Asia. Both works are interested in intervening in popular culture and genre cinema while reframing the horror or supernatural genre as particularly Taiwanese, drawing on urban legends and traditional folk tales. However, the creators of these works persistently characterise Han Taiwanese legends as interchangeable with the native fauna of Taiwan. This move positions Han Taiwanese as inheritors of the natural environment of Taiwan while minimising or, in some cases, tokenising the presence of indigenous Taiwanese people.

The long-term trend in utilization of traditional Chinese medicine and associated factors among older people in Taiwan.

Both the size of the older population and the use of complementary and alternative medicine are increasing worldwide. This study evaluated the long-term trend in utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and associated factors among older people in Taiwan. Using the database of population-based interview surveys, we evaluated the one-month prevalence of TCM use among 13,945 older people aged over 65 years from 2001-2017. The sociodemographic status and medical comorbidities of older people who did and did not use TCM were compared by calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the multiple logistic regressions. The one-month prevalence of TCM use increased from 5.5% in 2001 to 9.1% in 2017 among older people in Taiwan. Overall, 7.3% of older people had used TCM within the previous month. People with a history of heart disease (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.24-2.12), use of folk therapy (OR 3.16, 95% CI 2.00-4.99), and purchase of non-prescribed Chinese herbal medicine (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.48-2.91) were more likely to use TCM than the comparison group. However, age ≥80 years (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.72) and previous hospitalization (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.85) were associated with the reduced use of TCM. From 2001-2017, the use of TCM increased in the older population in Taiwan. The use of folk medicine and purchase of non-prescribed Chinese herbal medicine were significant predictors for the use of TCM.

Taiwan inside‐out: Rescaling colonial constructions of Taiwan through a Tayal‐focused lens

AbstractThis research deals with issues of Indigeneity and autonomy in Taiwan by notionally turning things inside‐out. We aim to contextualise international geopolitics and local polity by considering the Tayal people, one of 16 nationally recognised Indigenous groups living in northern Taiwan. We reject the conventional geopolitical lens of Great Power claims as the only and best way to understand contemporary Taiwan and chooses to refocus and rescale the geopolitical lens. We seek to reconsider Taiwan’s history, geography, and territory by reference to the conceptual lenses that apply to Tayal peoples’ experiences. The research methods employed include geographical fieldwork, literature reviews, and archival studies. The research acknowledges Tayal people’s custodianship over their territory and provides an in‐depth discussion on the colonial history and geography of Taiwan. In the process, we unsettle what is taken‐for‐granted and rescale erasure, violence, and resistance in Indigenous Taiwan. In building a Tayal‐centred positionality, we reframe geopolitical dynamics as connections within territories and across boundaries rather than as disputes over deeply contested boundaries. Neither Tayal people nor other Indigenous peoples in Taiwan ever ceded their sovereignty. Regardless of any broader geopolitics shifts, Tayal territory remains just the way it always has—Tayal territory.

Emerging and Reemerging Parasitic Diseases in Taiwan: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Case Reports in 2001~2018.

Emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases can cause significant economic burdens at national and global levels. However, governments often underestimate or ignore these diseases, especially in developed countries. This retrospective, case-oriented study analyzed parasitic diseases reported in Taiwan between 2001 and 2018. One hundred and thirty-two eligible clinical profiles of Taiwanese patients obtained from the NCBI, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases and local journals according to age, sex, source of infection, symptoms, risk factors, and geographical regions were analyzed. The analysis results showed that the number/frequency of cases caused by nematodes (46.97%) or protozoa (37.88%) was significantly higher than that of trematodes (9.85%) or cestodes (5.30%) (p < 0.0001). Northern Taiwan (46.97%) had a significantly higher rate than Southern Taiwan (33.33%), Central Taiwan (8.33%), and Eastern Taiwan (5.30%) (p < 0.05). The 15-65 age group (68.94%) had a significantly higher rate than the 65-90 age group (22.73%) and the 0-15 age group (8.33%) (p < 0.0001). Males (70.46%) had a significantly higher number/frequency of cases than females (29.54%) (p < 0.0001). People who acquired the infection through the food/soil route (32.58%) or who had a low immune status (32.58%) had a higher rate than travel-related infections (15.15%) (p < 0.001). The present study showed that emerging/reemerging parasitic infections continue to be of great concern to the lives and health of Taiwanese citizens and, if ignored, will threaten the health of the Taiwanese people; therefore, the delineation of preventive measures by health authorities is urgently warranted.

Factors associated with willingness to receive coronavirus disease vaccination during the pandemic: A nationwide survey in Taiwan

Background/purposeVaccination is the most important preventive measure to protect people from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Governments worldwide have prioritized their vaccination policy against COVID-19. However, there is a lack of relevant research on Taiwanese attitudes and considerations toward COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the cognition, preventive behaviors, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines that influence people's willingness to get vaccinated in Taiwan. MethodsFrom October 1 to 31, 2021, a computer-assisted telephone interview system was used to randomly select Taiwanese people to investigate their COVID-19 preventive behaviors, knowledge, and willingness to be vaccinated. ResultsWe included 2000 participants of whom 96.45% showed vaccination willingness. The overall mean age and knowledge scores were 48.6 years and 5.78, respectively. All of the participants chose to wear masks, and 80% chose to be vaccinated to prevent COVID-19. Compared with the non-willing vaccination participants, those with younger ages, higher incomes, and higher knowledge scores regarding masks and vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. Furthermore, apprehensions about vaccine side effects and negative news about COVID-19 vaccines were the major reasons for vaccination hesitancy. ConclusionTo improve people's willingness to get vaccinated, the government should strive to deliver correct knowledge and refute inappropriate negative information about COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, recommendation by physicians was an important factor for older individuals to decide on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and policies could be implemented from this aspect.

Overcoming the Barrier to Cross-Strait Trade to Advance Taiwan's Economic Growth

Abstract The purpose of this research is to present a comprehensive framework for studying and finding a solution to the cross-strait dilemma between China and Taiwan, which goes beyond the political aspect. China has become a global economic powerhouse, significantly affecting trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Taiwan has become increasingly dependent on China for its economic growth, with 40% of our reliance on the mainland. However, recent political changes and opposition to China have led to strained relations, which are now impacting our exports. To ensure the well-being and interests of the Taiwanese people, our leaders need to recognize the current situation and adjust our national strategy accordingly. Our focus should be on stabilizing cross-strait relations, promoting economic and trade cooperation, and working towards a mutually beneficial partnership based on equality, cooperation, and trust. The most important thing is to prioritize the Taiwanese people's welfare and create a strategic plan that benefits both. JEL classification numbers: D72, F10, F17. Keywords: Mutual Trust, Mutual Benefit, Equality, Cooperation, Relationships.