英文摘要 |
Objectives. This study investigated the changes in health status, factors related to changes in health status, and utilization of health services in Mongolian exchange students in Taiwan. Methods. A cross-sectional email survey was sent to Mongolian undergraduate and graduate students studying in Taiwan. A total of 186 emails with a self-administered questionnaire were sent out in July 2010 to Mongolian students in Taiwan. Eighty-two percent of the questionnaires were completed and returned. Logistic regression was used to assess the participants' perceived reasons for health status change since arrival in Taiwan. McNemar's test for repeated measures was used to compare the patterns of health services utilization in participants before and after arrival in Taiwan. Results. The mean(±SD) age of the respondents when they arrived in Taiwan was 23.6±4.7 years. Eighty-six(57%) were female. Results indicated that the health status of 84% of the respondents improved after their arrival in Taiwan. The improvements in their health status were associated with better climate, better sanitary conditions, more exercise, and less stress(p<0.05). In terms of the patterns of health services utilization, utilization of Westem medicine in Mongolian students was not associated with their arrival in Taiwan. Thirty-two percent of the Mongolian students who used traditional Mongolian medicine in Mongolia continued to use it out of preference in Taiwan than those who had not tried to use it(19%). About 18% of the students who had never used traditional Chinese medicine while in Mongolia began to use it after their arrival in Taiwan. Few students(≦2%) tried acupuncture/moxibustion, cupping, or massage in Taiwan if they had not used before in Mongolia. Conclusions. The health status of Mongolian students improved after their arrival in Taiwan. In addition to Western medicine, traditional Mongolian Medicine and traditional Chinese medicine were also the alternative choices of treatment modalities for their ailments. |