(Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, College of Oriental Medicine, Dong-Guk University)
Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the reason of choosing acupuncture and moxibustion at first and the change of preference along with the improvement of the causes of avoiding acupuncture and moxibustion. Methods : As for the methodology of the research, we had a questionnaire survey of the freshmen at Dongguk University in 2000. Out of 3095 freshmen, 2158 students (1170 males and 988 females) replied to the questionnaire and statistical analysis was carried out mainly on the items answered by the respondents. Comparison between groups concerning acupuncture and moxibustion treatment utilized x 2 test. Results : The results of the research are as follows: 1. The most frequent reason of choosing acupuncture and moxibustion initially was that it seemed to be effective, and the second reason was that they were encouraged by acquaintances. 2. The most frequent reason of revisiting acupuncture and moxibustion was that it was proved effective, and the second reason was that it did not induce pains. 3. The most frequent reason of not revisiting acupuncture and moxibustion was it was proved ineffective, and the second reason was that it induced pains. A large part of the respondents who did not revisit said they would do if the reasons of not revisiting were improved. Conclusion : The reasons of choosing acupuncture and moxibustion initially and revisiting appear to be closely related to the efficacy of acupuncture. It was shown that whether it was painful was also a crucial factor in the decisions. Based on the results, we consider that it is required to develop acupuncture manipulations that enhance the efficacy and reduce pains, as well as to invent various innovative acupuncture and moxibustion techniques and instruments.