Characteristics of TCM constitutions of adult Chinese women in Hong Kong and identification of related influencing factors: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundTraditional Chinese Medicine Constitution (TCMC) refers to an integrated, metastable and natural specialty of individual in morphosis, physiological functions and psychological conditions. It is formed on the basis of innate and acquired endowments in the human life process, which can be divided into normal constitution and unbalanced ones. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of TCMCs of Chinese women in Hong Kong and its acquired influencing factors.MethodsLocal Chinese women between 30 to 65years old, were recruited from 18 districts of Hong Kong (n = 944), and were assessed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Physical Constitution Scale for their TCMC types. Social-demographic, reproductive, lifestyle, systemic health and emotional status information were collected through structured questionnaire. The associations between different independent factors and each TCMC type, as well as the complex unbalanced TCMC types were tested individually. Significant factors related to unbalanced TCMC types were identified in final models using multiple factor analysis.ResultsA total of 764 (80.9%) participants were diagnosed with unbalanced TCMCs. The most common TCMC type was Qi-deficiency constitution (53.9%), followed by Phlegm-wetness (38.9%), Yang-deficiency (38.2%), Yin-deficiency (35.5), Blood-stasis (35.4) and Qi-depressed (31%) constitution. Six hundred and eleven participants (64.7%) had at least two types of combined and unbalanced constitutions. Stepwise logistic analysis indicated that poor systemic health condition (OR, 1.76-2.89), negative emotions (OR = 1.39), overweight (OR = 1.58), high educational level (OR = 1.18) and mental work (OR = 1.44) were significantly positively correlated with certain unbalanced TCMCs. Meanwhile, aging (OR, 0.59-0.73), exercise habit (OR, 0.61-0.79) and reproductive history (OR = 0.72) showed inverse associations with unbalanced constitutions. In addition, systemic health condition and emotional status, exercise habit and age were significantly associated with the combined unbalanced TCMC types.ConclusionThe majority of middle-aged Chinese women in Hong Kong had unbalanced and complex TCMCs. Qi-deficiency, Phlegm-wetness and Yang-deficiency constitutions are the most common constitutions. Poor systemic health condition, less-than-satisfactory emotional life, overweight and mental work are associated with and may be contributors for the formation of unbalanced TCMCs, while regular physical exercise was found to be a potential protective factor for unbalanced TCMCs.

Association between Albuminuria and Different Body Constitution in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Taichung Diabetic Body Constitution Study

“…BC is modifiable and may transform as time passes or when a crucial health event occurs [ 38 ]. An epidemiological study revealed that the factors influencing BC include emotions, body weight, educational level, mental work, age, and exercise habit [ 39 ]. Chinese people have endeavored to improve their health for the past thousand years by adjusting their unbalanced BC status.…”

A Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution Associated with Overweight, Obesity, and Underweight

“…Constitutional consideration not only determines the patient's susceptibility to certain pathogens and diseases but is also closely related to the development, treatment, and prognosis of diseases [ 9 ]. When an individual's constitution is evaluated, the congenital hereditary factor, physiological functions, psychological conditions, and social factor are usually taken into account, suggesting that the constitution has a close relationship with chronic diseases.…”

中医痰湿体质基因表达谱研究

“…每种体质都有其特定的生理 和心理特征, 存在某些(或某类)疾病的发病倾向性, 应 区别对待 [5] . 中医体质学理念为健康促进提供了一个 全新的思维方式 [6] . 2009年, 中华中医药学会颁布了 《中医体质分类与判定》标准, 体质辨识及分类方法 在全国得到推广应用 [7] .…”