Preliminary Study on Mobile App for Traditional Chinese Medicine Education Among Chinese Senior Citizens
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely trusted by older adults, yet many face difficulties in acquiring systematic TCM knowledge due to limited digital literacy and a lack of age-appropriate mobile learning platforms. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of mobile learning platforms in enhancing Chinese senior citizens' knowledge of TCM and health behaviours, alongside examining learning motivation and barriers to technology use. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving a questionnaire survey of 50 participants aged 50–75 years, supplemented by descriptive statistical and thematic analyses. The results indicate that although most participants expressed strong interest in TCM, their overall knowledge level and health awareness were relatively low. Content quality and ease of operation emerged as the most influential factors affecting acceptance of mobile learning platforms. Notably, over 60% of respondents reported a willingness to learn TCM through a dedicated mobile application and perceived improvements in their health behaviours after learning. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the development of an age-friendly mobile learning platform for TCM education. Such platforms have the potential to enhance health knowledge and encourage positive health behaviours among older adults.
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