Unpacking the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Hispanic college students: The role of exposure and attitudes.

Abstract

Objective: Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been widely used, there are a few quantitative studies through which these trends in minority young adults can be analyzed. The purpose of this study is to describe and understand Hispanics' use of Mexican American complementary and alternative medicine with a focus on Hispanic college students' exposure and attitudes toward CAM. Participants: We surveyed at a mid-sized, Hispanic-serving public university located in the southwestern US. Of the 203 students, 38% of the Hispanic students in the sample reported that they have used a form of CAM. Methods: We performed logistic regression and mediational analyses to analyze the data. Results: We found positive associations between personal exposure to Mexican American CAM and the use of CAM. Additionally, belief in the influences of emotional and supernatural states on physical health strongly predicted the usage of Mexican American CAM, whereas belief in the efficacy of Western biomedicine was inversely associated with the use of CAM. Conclusion: Recognizing the cultural and attitudinal factors that shape healthcare decisions can guide the development of more inclusive, culturally tailored healthcare approaches and educational initiatives for young Hispanic college students.