Introduction
The Latine community in the United States faces numerous barriers to accessing traditional biomedical healthcare. These barriers include socioeconomic challenges, cultural differences, and language barriers. As a result, many individuals within this community turn to traditional healers (THs) for their healthcare needs. A recent systematic review, "Traditional Healers as Health Care Providers for the Latine Community in the United States," sheds light on the prevalence and significance of THs in this community. This blog explores the findings of this review and discusses how practitioners can improve their skills by integrating these insights into their practice.
The Role of Traditional Healers
Traditional healers, often referred to as curanderos, play a vital role in providing healthcare to the Latine community. The review identifies four subtypes of THs: sobadores, yerberos, espiritualistas, and hueseros. Each subtype offers unique services, ranging from massage therapy to herbal medicine and spiritual healing. The review found that the lifetime prevalence of TH use among Latine individuals varies from 6% to 67.7%, depending on demographic factors.
Reasons for Choosing Traditional Healers
The primary reasons for seeking care from THs include accessibility, affordability, and cultural and linguistic congruence. Many Latine individuals find THs more approachable and trustworthy due to shared cultural backgrounds and languages. Additionally, THs offer services that are often more affordable and convenient than traditional biomedical healthcare, especially for those without health insurance.
Integrating Traditional and Biomedical Healthcare
To improve healthcare outcomes for the Latine community, it is essential to explore ways to integrate traditional healing practices with biomedical care. Practitioners can benefit from understanding the cultural significance of THs and how they address the holistic needs of their patients. By fostering collaboration between THs and biomedical providers, healthcare systems can offer more comprehensive and culturally competent care.
Opportunities for Further Research
While the review highlights the prevalence and importance of THs, there is still a need for further research to understand the efficacy and safety of traditional healing practices. Future studies could explore the potential benefits of combining TH modalities with biomedical treatments and examine the impact of such integration on health outcomes. Additionally, qualitative research involving THs can provide valuable insights into their perspectives on healthcare and their relationship with biomedical systems.
Conclusion
Traditional healers play a significant role in the healthcare landscape for the Latine community in the United States. By recognizing the value of these practices and integrating them with biomedical care, healthcare providers can enhance health equity and improve outcomes for this underserved population. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the findings of the systematic review and consider how they can incorporate these insights into their practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Traditional Healers as Health Care Providers for the Latine Community in the United States, a Systematic Review.
