Mexican Mothers' Narratives of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Asthma Management Strategies for their Children

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in the U.S. has shown significant increase in recent years, particularly among individuals with chronic illnesses. Little research has been conducted on CAM use among children and adolescents with asthma. Many parents report using CAM as the first treatment for an asthma exacerbation. Studies show that the majority of parents do not disclose CAM use to their child's healthcare provider (HCP). HCPs need to know what CAM therapies are being used in asthma management so they can elicit information on CAM use during contacts with parents. They can then educate parents about the safety, advantages/disadvantages of individual CAM therapies, provide care which is sensitive to parents' ethnomedical beliefs, and improve adherence to the prescribed medication regimen.

Purpose: Obtain perspective of Mexican mothers regarding their experience of living with a child with asthma, understanding of the nature of the disease, beliefs and attitudes about asthma symptoms and treatment, and use of CAM and controller medications.

Methods: Purposeful sample of 20 Mexican mothers of children with asthma completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Recruited from two school-based health clinics in Phoenix, AZ. Interview guide assessed: asthma IRs, knowledge, and impact; CAM, HCP relationship, and healthcare utilization.

Results: CAM methods used by mothers in asthma management were special teas (i.e., chamomile, gordolobo, fig, eucalyptus, bougainvillea), snake oil, lard, syrups (e.g., Propleo, Broncolin), ointments (e.g., Vick's VapoRub) and Chihuahuas (as pets). Many mothers reported using the teas first and then, if child was still sick, going to the HCP.