Use of Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Arthritis among Latinos

Background: Use of complimentary and alternative therapies (CAM) are on rise among US population. CAM has been most often used to treat back problems, colds, joints pain and mental disorders. Adults with diagnosed chronic diseases are more likely to use biologically based CAM and those with arthritis are its most common users. For arthritis alone, more than 30 different herbs and topical ointments are used. Studies have shown multiple products use among Hispanics.

Methods: A convenience sampling method was used in surveying 588 Latinos in Spanish. The CDC's arthritis eligibility questions screened the participants for arthritis. Data from three focus groups will also supplement the findings.

Results: Latinos with arthritis have very low rates of insurance coverage and depend a great deal on a variety of home treatments including over the counter (OTC) drugs. Those who rate their health as fair/poor live in extreme high pain and show a significant increase in the use of alternative medicine therapists. There is no significant difference in the use of alternative therapists among insured and uninsured. The list of herbs and ointments used among the population is very long and interesting.

Conclusion: Our data shows high reliance on home remedies and OTC drugs. Among those who use home remedies, topical ointments, some created using old home formulas, appears to be the most frequently used by those in the 55+ years age range. Health care providers should interact with the patients about their CAM use, to prevent adverse medical interactions and ensure coordinated safe care.