Abstract
Objectives : To identify whether and how Korean people understand 'qi deficiency' and related symptoms. Methods : We developed a questionnaire based on the experts' comments and modification asking understanding of 'qi deficiency' and symptoms or situations related with it. Total 128 workers at community healthcare centres across the country completed the questionnaire. They were asked if they know the meaning of the word 'qi deficiency' and to give at least three symptoms or situations that they conceive are related with 'qi deficiency'. The responses were collected and descriptive and frequency analyses were performed. Results : Approximately 79.7% of responders answered that they understand the meaning of the word 'qi deficiency' and of them, 71.6% reported that they experience 'qi deficiency' sometimes or more. Regarding somatic or condition-related responses in qi deficiency, lack of power or energy (26.6%), tiredness or fatigue (22.2%), dizziness (7.2%) or sweating (6.3%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. They related symptoms such as loss of appetite (4.3%) or easily catching colds (2.4%) with qi deficiency. Factors described in traditional pattern recognition of qi deficiency were not exactly matched with the responses from this survey. Conclusions : Korean people have rather a broad concept of qi deficiency covering a range of symptoms and this should be taken into account in developing a deficiency assessment tool.
