Major and Classification
Policy, Planning, and Development
Faculty Mentor
LaVonna B. Lewis, Ph.D.
Department
Sol Price School of Public Policy
McNair Project
“Uses of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes in South Los Angeles”
Project Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used for years to supplement or substitute standard medical practice. This study observes which methods of CAM are used by Latino patients with type 2 diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes, Latinos are at a higher risk for complications. Furthermore, South Los Angeles has been a marginalized area for the past few decades placing Latino residents at a further disadvantage. In this study, I observe if the use of CAM was inhibited by not only cultural reasons but also socioeconomic status. Research was collected during the month of July 2014 through a three-part medicine used by Latinos to treat type 2 diabetes. A demographic questionnaire, C.A.M survey instrument (2011 AARP and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Survey Report) was employed alongside a diabetic natural remedy checklist. A majority of the surveys were distributed at the T.H.E Health and Wellness Center, a health provider is South Los Angeles. The three surveys were inputted into Qualtrics and were available in paper and digital bilingual formats for Spanish and English-speaking participants. Data collected revealed themes in areas relating to gender, socioeconomic status, culture, and the patient-doctor relationship. However, further research is required to make extensive conclusions about these health behaviors.