Use of Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Arthritis Among Latinos

Background

National population surveys indicate that Americans seek, use, and are satisfied with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Efforts have been made to improve utilization estimates for ethnic populations, which were initially underestimated. Consumption patterns vary by ethnicity (Mackenzie et al., 2003). Adults with chronic diseases are more likely to use biologically based CAM and those with arthritis are the most common users. Studies have shown multiple self treatment strategies by Hispanics. Previous estimates are suspect because of the difficulty in generating a culturally representative sample.

Methods

A multiyear, multiphase CBPR project generated a convenience sample from four rural counties. Surveys were administered in Spanish by trained community volunteers. The CDC's arthritis eligibility questions screened participants inclusion (n=588). As part of a large survey, questions were included on home remedies, over the counter (OTC) drugs, CAM therapies and visits to CAM professionals.

Results

Latinos with arthritis have low rates of insurance coverage (32.8%) and 55% report working full time. Those in poorer health show a significant increase in the use of alternative therapies, OTC drugs, topical ointments and pharmaceuticals. However, contrasts by insurance status indicate that use of self treatments is increased among those with more health problems, while this is not apparent among the insured. Regarding utilization of prescription medications and home remedies, the insured moved toward prescription medication use and away from home remedies. However, in both the insured and uninsured groups, if respondents did not use prescriptions medications then their utilization patterns for home remedies were similar.

Conclusion

Latinos employed several self treatment strategies. When insurance is available, pharmaceuticals become the only treatment. Results are discussed regarding CAM as a problem solving strategy and the possible suppression of culturally valued practices by insurance coverage.