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Use of and Interests in Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Hispanic Patients of a Community Health Center

Introduction: We evaluated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among a medically underserved, predominately Hispanic community at the University of California Irvine Family Health Center, a federally qualified health center. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey assessed patient use of, interest in, and communication preferences concerning CAM. Results: The 150 respondents primarily self-identified as Hispanic (74%), were born outside the United States (55%), were medically insured (56%), and had a high school education or less (55%). Of these respondents, 63% used at least 1 type of CAM; the most commonly used were: vitamins/supplements (32%), herbal medicine (29%), dietary/nutritional therapy (26%), massage (24%), meditation/relaxation (15%) and chiropractic (11%). Therapies that patients most desired to see provided at the clinic included massage, healthier cooking, guidance on herbs/supplements, and diet/nutrition. Among respondents, 61% were comfortable disclosing CAM use to physicians, 58% agreed physicians should have basic knowledge of CAM, and 47% desired that physicians ask about CAM use. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that CAM use is common among patients, and a large proportion of patients have interest in accessing CAM through their primary care clinic. Patients recognize the importance of communicating CAM use with their providers and seem receptive to discussing such topics.