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Abstract
Placebo-related factors such as patient confidence may influence compliance and outcomes, particularly in non-controlled trials. This retrospective cohort study examined whether confidence in acupuncture predicted compliance (returning for a fifth visit) and pain improvement among 1,213 adults treated for musculoskeletal pain at an Oriental medicine teaching clinic. Confidence (-2 to 2 scale) and pain (0–10 scale) were assessed via questionnaires; associations were analyzed using logistic and linear regression. Confidence was not significantly associated with compliance, but a weak inverse relationship was observed between confidence level and pain improvement. Findings highlight the complexity of placebo effects in clinical practice.