Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Family Practice Patients in South Texas

Abstract

Americans spend $27 billion out of pocket every year on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).1 Nearly all CAM users see physicians for health care,2–4 but few mention their use of CAM to their doctors.5–7 The “typical” CAM user is a young woman of European descent with higher than average income and education.5,7–9 However, Keegan reported that many low-income Latinos use folk practitioners such as the curandero (healer), the yerbero (herbalist), the sobador (masseur), or practices such as spiritual healing rather than treatments offered by health clubs or health food stores.6 These patterns of CAM use are different than those of the majority population and deserve closer scrutiny.