Herbal/Plant Remedies and Supplements Used by Hispanics/Latinxs for Diabetes: Source of Functional Foods?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the use of herbal/plant remedies and supplements for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Hispanics/Latinxs in North Carolina and identify demographic and diabetes-related factors associated with use of these therapies. METHODS: Baseline data from a family-based diabetes intervention tailored for Hispanics/Latinxs were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression. A convenience sample of 186 adults with T2DM and adult family members with and without T2DM was recruited from community-based settings and data obtained from face-to-face interviews conducted in Spanish. RESULTS: Most participants were female (73%) with an average age of 45 years old. Among this predominantly immigrant sample (96%), 78% of participants reported being from Mexico. Sixty percent had T2DM, and average A1C was 8.7% for persons with T2DM. Nearly a third reported using 51 different remedies for diabetes management. Most ingested them concurrently with prescribed medications; however, 11.3% reported altering the dose of medications when using herbal/plant remedies or supplements. Most common items were prickly pear cactus, pineapple, celery, aloe vera, parsley, and spinach. Using herbs/plants was positively correlated with age, A1C, and years with T2DM. The odds of using herbs/plants increased 28% for every 1% increase in A1C (adjusted odds ratio = 1.28, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Asking about herbal/plant remedy and supplement use is important. Although there is limited efficacy and safety studies for some items, multiple reported remedies are functional foods with biologically active ingredients to promote health. Patient education is needed on safe and unsafe items and use with prescribed medications.

Tes, Licuados, and Capsulas: herbal self-care remedies of Latino/Hispanic immigrants for type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to explore the characteristics of herbal remedy use for diabetes among Latinos/Hispanics with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A convenience sample of 75 Latino/Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes was recruited from community-based settings in North Carolina. Data were collected through face-to-face bilingual interviews. Measures included a demographic questionnaire; the Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Practices Questionnaire; and biophysical indicators of A1C and body mass index. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of the sample reported using herbal remedies for diabetes self-care. Forty-nine herbal products were identified. The most commonly reported products were prickly pear cactus, aloe vera, celery, and chayote. The perceived effectiveness of products varied; some said they helped "a lot" while others noted the development of side effects. Over three quarters (77%) of persons using herbal remedies reported concurrent use with prescribed medications. Also, some participants reported skipping or altering the dose of diabetes medications when using herbal remedies. Most (77%) reported not disclosing herbal remedy use to health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes educators and other health care providers need to ask Latino/Hispanic clients about their use of herbal remedies and become knowledgeable about herbal products to provide advice about safety.

Maternal psychosocial risks predict preterm birth in a group of women from Appalachia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate which psychosocial criteria are associated with preterm birth in a midwifery model of risk in pregnancy. DESIGN: A quantitative study with a prospective correlational research design. SETTING: Women attending three prenatal clinics in East Tennessee. PARTICIPANTS: 120 pregnant women between 16 and 28 weeks gestation. The majority of the clinics' clients were from rural Appalachia. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: Multiple logistic regression statistical analysis revealed that women with symptoms of depression, lower levels of self-esteem, or a negative perception of pregnancy had significantly higher odds of delivering a preterm baby. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings suggest the importance of screening for psychosocial risk factors in pregnancy. Interventions to address these psychosocial risks could improve maternal psychosocial health, maintain continuity of midwifery care, and reduce the incidence of preterm birth.

A holistic approach to risk-screening in pregnancy with Appalachian women.

Routine screening for risk factors in pregnancy is one of the major components of prenatal care that is highly recommended, yet few risk assessment systems have a comprehensive view. This investigation examined prenatal risk assessment from a comprehensive perspective to identify biophysical, psychosocial, spiritual, and perceptual factors in pregnancy affecting infant birth weight. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using standard and reliable questionnaires with a convenience sample of 120 pregnant women between the ages of 14 and 44 years and 16 to 28 weeks gestation at three prenatal clinics in East Tennessee. Two factors, absence of maternal partner support during pregnancy and African American race, emerged as significant predictors for infant birth weight. Findings emphasize the necessity for nurses and other providers to screen for presence and source of social support during routine prenatal assessments. Continued research to develop a comprehensive assessment of risk in pregnancy should enhance our understanding of maternal factors influencing maternal and infant health.