EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF COMBINED TRADITIONAL CHINESE AND WESTERN MEDICAL EDUCATION ON HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND STATUS AMONG COLLEGE ATHLETES

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases related to sedentary lifestyles presents a growing challenge to public health systems worldwide. In response, integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medical principles into educational frameworks has emerged as a strategic approach to enhance health behaviors and outcomes among college students. This study examines the impact of a novel integrative teaching model that combines TCM and Western medicine on the health behaviors and status of college athletes. Conducted at a university in Hong Kong, the research specifically assessed how structured physical activity influenced overall health outcomes. Among participating students, 35.42% who engaged in regular physical activity reported excellent health conditions, while 48.65% noticed marked improvements in health or reduced susceptibility to illness. Moreover, 63.21% of students maintaining a moderate exercise routine of three to four times weekly reported sustained fair health. These findings highlight the profound benefits of physical activity, further supported by an educational blend of TCM and Western medical knowledge. The study advocates for the systematic integration of sports and medical education to foster healthier lifestyles and improved well-being among college athletes, suggesting that such an approach is crucial in mitigating the impact of lifestyle-related health issues.