Home Remedy Use Among African American and White Older Adults

Abstract

Home remedy use is an often overlooked component of health self-management, with a rich tradition, particularly among African Americans and others who have experienced limited access to medical care or discrimination by the health care system. Home remedies can potentially interfere with biomedical treatments. This study documented the use of home remedies among older rural adults, and compared use by ethnicity (African American and white) and gender. A purposeful sample of 62 community-dwelling adults ages 65+ from rural North Carolina was selected. Each completed an in-depth interview, which probed current use of home remedies, including food and non-food remedies, and the symptoms or conditions for use. Systematic, computer-assisted analysis was used to identify usage patterns. Five food and five non-food remedies were used by a large proportion of older adults. African American elders reported greater use than white elders; women reported more use for a greater number of symptoms than men. Non-food remedies included long-available, over-the-counter remedies (e.g., Epsom salts) for which “off-label” uses were reported. Use focused on alleviating common digestive, respiratory, skin, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Some were used for chronic conditions in lieu of prescription medications. Home remedy use continues to be a common feature of the health self-management of older adults, particularly among African Americans, though at lower levels than previously reported. While some use is likely helpful or benign, other use has the potential to interfere with medical management of disease. Health care providers should be aware of the use of remedies by their patients.

Chemical Colitis Induced by Low-dose Hydrogen Peroxide Enema in a Cocaine User

“…Constipation is a common complaint among adult individuals; health disparities, inaccessible health care and lack of education are some factors that predispose patients to look for alternative sources such as the Internet to ameliorate their complaints. Home remedies are particularly popular in groups that have often experienced barriers to receiving health care or who have experienced discrimination by the health care system [9]. These groups include, but are not limited to, older adults, African Americans and patients with substance use disorders.…”

Help for Osteoarthritis Pain in African American Elders (HOPE)

“…There is an affinity to use home remedies for musculoskeletal pain, colds, and gastrointestinal and skin problems (Quandt et al, 2015). The literature review presented above show clear cultural differences in preferences of OA and CJ pain self-management behaviors.…”

“…Albert and colleagues (2008b) considered use of hot compresses as one criteria for optimal self-management, although some suggest that icing is better than heating (Oosterveld et al, 2009). Some AAs use warm water with Epsom salt to soak sore and swollen ankles and legs (Quandt, Sandberg, Grzywacz, Altizer, & Arcury, 2015). Use of thermal modalities ranged from hot showers, warm/cool compresses, to creams with capsaicin or menthol active ingredients.…”

“…Use of alternative behaviors is guided by culture, folklore, and beliefs in multipurpose use (Bill-Harvey et al, 1989;Coulton et al, 1990). A new study reported that older AAs have a rich tradition of home remedies for various types of ailments including arthritis and pain likely because of reduced access to care (Quandt et al, 2015) and preference for natural products. Honey, salts, and oils (including "healing oils [olive oil blessed by a pastor]) were reported for musculoskeletal and joint pain.…”

“…it was mainly used for colds and respiratory illnesses (Quandt et al, 2015). The overall model with both pain interference and OA pain severity was significant, but only the pain interference was significant for use of rubs.…”