Investigating Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in a Spanish-Speaking Hispanic Community in South Carolina
Year: 2008
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
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.
Source: The Annals of Family Medicine
DOI: 10.1370/afm.736
Authors: P. Trangmar, V. A. Diaz
Institution: Medical University of South Carolina
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2143620881