청소년 대상 한의 프로그램 시행 이후 한의약에 대한 인식에 대한 연구 - S청소년센터 사례를 중심으로 -

초록

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Korean medicine treatment and education on adolescents residing in a protective juvenile facility at S Youth Center. Specifically, this study examined how exposure to Korean medicine care and lectures influenced the perceptions, interests, and willingness to visit Korean medicine clinics. Methods From August to December 2024, volunteer doctors from the Warmth of Korean Medicine organization provided monthly visits for Korean medicine treatments at the S Youth Center in Seoul, totaling four sessions. A one-hour educational lecture on Korean medicine was delivered in December. After the lecture, a structured survey was administered to 46 male adolescents residing in the facility (aged 13–18, mean age 15.3). The questionnaire assessed Korean medicine experience, interest, willingness to visit clinics, knowledge acquisition, and satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale. Pre- and post-lecture responses were compared. Results Participants’ average interest in Korean medicine increased from 2.89 to 3.46 after the lecture (+0.57), and their willingness to receive treatment increased from 3.22 to 3.96 (+0.74). Adolescents with no prior treatment experience showed a greater increase in interest than did those with prior treatment experience. Knowledge scores were high for Korean medicine (4.04), growth (4.15), and obesity/weight management (3.96). Satisfaction with the treatment averaged 4.11, whereas satisfaction with the lectures averaged 4.38, indicating a generally positive response. Conclusions Korean medicine education and treatment positively influenced adolescents’ perception of and interest in Korean medicine as well as their intention to seek care. Educational interventions appeared to be particularly effective for those without prior treatment experience. These findings suggest the need for continued outreach and tailored Korean medicine education for underserved adolescents.

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