Predictors of herbal use among a first- generation Mexican immigrants in San Bernardino, California

Studies on medical pluralism in the US suggest that minority groups are likely to simultaneously access multiple healthcare systems; that is the Biomedical system and the Complementary/ Alternative Medical (CAM) systems. This study focuses on key predictors of herbal use among a first- generation Mexican immigrant patient population that accesses the biomedical health system in San Bernardino, California. 201 surveys were collected from Spanish-speaking patients at three different community clinic sites. Data analysis revealed that 84.18% of surveyed patients reported using herbs. Strongest predictors of herbal use were fluency in English, health beliefs, and health insurance coverage. Both herbal users and non herbal users reported having confidence in modern medicine. These findings suggest that medical pluralism is common among this particular patient population, where herbal use is predicted by lower levels of acculturation (Spanish as preferred language), and access to health insurance. Understanding health beliefs and practices of Latino patients is increasingly important for healthcare providers who wish to be culturally competent and deliver optimal healthcare.