Beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine and asthma medication among Hispanic/Latinx and Black adolescents in New York City

Abstract

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) beliefs and negative beliefs regarding inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are each associated with poor asthma control. CAM use and ICS beliefs are well studied among minority adults; little is known about minority adolescents' CAM and ICS beliefs. We describe CAM and ICS beliefs among urban Hispanic/Latinx and Black adolescents with uncontrolled asthma and explore differences by race and ethnicity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a trial testing an asthma intervention in adolescents with uncontrolled asthma in New York City (n = 212). Adolescents completed the Conventional and Alternative Management for Asthma (CAM-A) questionnaire. Regression analyses explored relationships between CAM and ICS beliefs and race and ethnicity.

Results

Most adolescents endorsed at least one CAM belief (mean = 4.41 of 9 items, SD = 1.83). Among adolescents who reported taking an ICS, most (67.3 %) endorsed two or fewer negative ICS beliefs (mean = 1.93 of 6 items, SD = 1.47). Compared to adolescents who identified as both Hispanic/Latinx and Black, those who identified solely as Hispanic/Latinx had higher odds of believing Vicks VapoRub™ is beneficial (OR = 3.44, 95 % CI = 1.55, 7.64), while those who identified solely as Black had higher odds of expressing negative beliefs about ICS (OR = 1.90, 95 % CI = 1.08, 3.34).

Conclusion

Hispanic/Latinx and Black adolescents believe that CAM can help their asthma. They also hold similar negative beliefs regarding ICS.

Implications for Practice: Findings underscore the importance of nurses addressing CAM and ICS beliefs with adolescents during asthma-related healthcare visits and supporting culturally responsive, evidence-based asthma education and management strategies.