Investigating complementary and alternative medicine use in a spanish-speaking hispanic community in South Carolina

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.