Use Of Natural And Traditional Medicine In Cuba: Results From The National Health Survey 2018-2019.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM) use in the last 12 months as per as the report from the National Health Survey (NHS), Cuba 2018-2019. Material-Method: It was an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study that was part of the referred NHS. Socio-demographic characteristics of the survey respondents were collected (living area, gender, age, skin color, marital status, educational level and occupation). The main variable selected for this study was the prevalence of NTM use by the Cuban population in the previous 12 months. Results: More than one out of five Cubans used NTM therapies in the previous 12 months to the NHS, Cuba 2018-2019, with a higher prevalence of use by people living in rural areas, females, the age group of 65-74 years old, a co-habited marital status, university educational level and those in retirement. Phytotherapy was the most reported NTM therapy. Conclusion: This study analyzed for the first time the prevalence of NTM use by the Cuban population. It demonstrated that more than one out of five Cubans used NTM therapies in the previous 12 months to the NHS, Cuba 2018-2019. The characteristics of the CNHS ensure the conditions to facilitate the development of NTM and the information from this study would contribute to strengthen the integration of these treatments with conventional medicine in Cuba.