Investigating complementary and alternative medicine use in a Spanish-speaking Hispanic community in South Carolina.
cross_sectional · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 18195301.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1370/afm.736 and PMC identifier PMC2568705.
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Abstract
PURPOSE: This study investigated the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Spanish-speaking Hispanics in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. METHODS: We administered Spanish-language questionnaires regarding use of CAM to Spanish-speaking Hispanics seeking care at either a community-based residency practice or a rural community health center. RESULTS: Overall, 69% of the 70 respondents indicated that they used some type of CAM. The most common reason for using CAM was being taught to do so by family members (33%); other common reasons included a failure by their medical professionals to diagnose their problem (29%), a lack of conventional medical treatment for their problem (29%), and being unhappy with previous medical advice (21%). The main medical conditions being treated with CAM were infections (65%) and constipation and diarrhea (54%), but pregnancy-related issues were also cited (27%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings improve our understanding of alternative health care practices of Spanish-speaking Hispanics visiting primary care clinics in South Carolina. Addressing patients' reasons for CAM use may help health care professionals develop patient-centered treatment plans.