Exploring Homeopathic Remedy Use Among South Asian Americans: Associations with Sociodemographic, Acculturative, and Health Measures Open Access
Rastogi, Avantika (Spring 2024)
Published
Abstract
Background: Despite their significant demographic growth, SAAs remain underrepresented in health research. SAAs face increased risks of cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and mortality, attributed to their high-risk cardiometabolic profile characterized by conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Understanding SAA health behaviors and beliefs is crucial to developing our knowledge base and creating more culturally responsive practices, interventions, and policies. Homeopathic remedy use plays a significant role in SAA culture and by extension, health practices. Recent trends show the integration of homeopathic remedies into mainstream health interventions, emphasizing its importance in health research and practice.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of homeopathic remedy use among South Asian Americans (SAAs) in the Atlanta Metro Area and determine any associations with sociodemographic, acculturative, or health measures. Given the underrepresentation of SAAs in health research and their growing population, understanding these determinants is essential for improving culturally responsive healthcare.
Methods: The study was a secondary analysis of the CENSAA dataset, which was a cross-sectional, online survey. Respondent driven sampling was utilized to reach the SAA population in Metro Atlanta. Prevalence of homeopathic remedy use was assessed, along with associations between homeopathic remedy use and sociodemographic, acculturative, and health measures. Data analysis involved weighted chi-squared tests and weighted independent samples t-tests to assess associations and differences in population means.
Results: Within the sample of 363 SAAs, the median age was 33, 59% of the sample was male, 67% of participants were born in the US, and 42% of respondents reported using homeopathic remedies. When comparing homeopathic remedy users to non-users, many differences were noted. Within the sample of homeopathic remedy users, there was an increased prevalence of individuals who were born in the US, reported an educational attainment below a Bachelor's degree, used the separation acculturation strategy, had a family history of diabetes, and a diagnosis of cancer and cardiomyopathy. Results of weighted chi-squared tests and weighted independent samples t-tests indicated that homeopathic remedy use was significantly associated with decreased age and total acculturation composite score as well as being born in the US.
Conclusion: Findings revealed significant associations between homeopathic use, younger age, US nativity, and lower total acculturation scores. Comparisons with prior studies suggest differences in age demographics and nativity may contribute to variations in homeopathic remedy use patterns among SAA populations. This displays the significance of incorporating a nuanced understanding of homeopathic remedy use into SAA healthcare and education initiatives to address the prevalent utilization of such remedies among SAA immigrants and subsequent generations
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction and Statement of Purpose
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Purpose Statement
Chapter 2. Literature Review
Introduction
Current Landscape of SAA Health Research
Culture and Homeopathic Remedies in SAA Populations
Theoretical Framework
Theoretical Model
Conclusion
Chapter 3. Methods
Study Design
Measures
Data Analysis
Chapter 4. Results
Sample Demographics
Key Findings
Chapter 5. Discussion
Conclusions
Strengths and Limitations
Implications and Moving Forward
References
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