The use of complementary and alternative medicine and pain relievers among refugees resettled in the USA

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), pain reliever use and the expectations refugees have of physicians about their practice of CAM use in the USA. Individuals with a refugee background are one of the populations who use CAM for treatment. However, to date, there is insufficient empirical evidence to describe CAM use among refugees resettled in the USA. In addition, collecting information about the use of pain relievers would help better understand the experiences of individuals with a refugee background. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from August 2018 to November 2019 using a self- or interviewer-administered survey from 94 refugees 18 years of age or older who had settled in the USA. Findings This study found the following: CAM practice is very common among refugees resettled in the USA, most refugees use non-prescription pain medicine and refugees prefer to see physicians who understand CAM. This study contributes valuable findings in the usage of CAM among refugees and determines that CAM is commonly used among refugees resettled in the USA for pain management. Originality/value By better understanding CAM, physicians can address a direct need for the refugee population-seeking health care in the USA and other countries that host refugee resettlement.