299340
Examining a discrepancy between research findings on acupuncture and news reports about its effectiveness
Method
Content-analyzing information about the discrepancy includes examining research about acupuncture contained in scientific data bases (PubMed, PsycInfo) and analyzing the contents of relevant news articles in google.com.
Results:
Searching PubMed with the keyword acupuncturehas yelled142 reports based on clinical trials and 292 review articles about acupuncture. All the research showed acupuncture's benefits. PsycInfo database has generated total 246 articles showing acupuncture’s effectiveness and no article about its ineffectiveness. On the other hand, the keywords “acupuncture news” in google.com have generated 23,900 articles or websites. With judgmental sampling, the focus is then on analyzing the manifest contents of the selected publications. Although most of the news are objective, there are many biased statements against acupuncture in the news, which can be put into five categories: (1) “Traditional acupuncture as sham procedures,”(2)” Existing evidence is consistent with acupuncture being no more effective than a placebo,”(3) “Even fake acupuncture eases headaches,” (4)” Acupuncture can spread serious diseases,” and (5)” researching acupuncture's effectiveness is a controversial activity.”
Discussions:
Three factors may explain the discrepancy between the evidence-based research and the news reports about acupuncture’s effectiveness: cognitive factors (ignorance about acupuncture), motivational and cultural factors (e.g., selectively processing evidence, a belief that the Western approach to illness is the only scientific way to understand and treat diseases).
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationAssessment of individual and community needs for health education
Communication and informatics
Diversity and culture
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related education
Learning Objectives:
Explain three causes for biases in news reports about acupuncture,
Describe the discrepancy between research findings on acupuncture and news reports about its effectiveness,
List several solutions to the biased attitude in communications about acupuncture
Keyword(s): Communication, Alternative and Complementary Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture is one of my research areas. I have conducted the current study with a scientific method. I have co-authored eight magazine articles on Chinese healing arts and I have published 12 health-related peer-reviewed articles or book chapters.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.