Hispanic cultural health beliefs and folk remedies.

Cultural awareness of health care practices and beliefs is increasing, but knowledge regarding Hispanic folk remedies and health care practices and beliefs is limited. This study used a focus group interview format for an open discussion of folk remedies and the health and illness practices of the participants. Eleven Hispanic women participated in a group interview that addressed the question, How do Hispanic health beliefs affect health care practices? Specifically, what actions are taken to treat symptoms of illness or injury? Qualitative data analysis of the 75 symptom and treatment statements was completed, and data were grouped according to symptom and complexity of treatments. This resulted in a rich compilation of remedies that Hispanics use in home treatments, with the emergence of a pattern comparable to the nursing process. This information adds to the current knowledge base of cultural health practices and provides a basis for continued research.