Medical Pluralism in the Use of Sobadores among Mexican Immigrants to North Carolina

AbstractMexican immigrants have a rich history of traditional healers. This analysis describes the conditions for which Mexican immigrants seek treatment fromsobadores, and delineates factors that influence seeking treatment from asobador or a biomedical doctor. This systematic qualitative analysis uses interview data collected with 24 adult Mexican immigrants to North Carolina who had been treated by asobador in the previous 2  years. Immigrants are engaged in medical pluralism, seeking care fromsobadores and biomedical doctors based on the complaint and patient ’s age. Using a hierarchy of resort, adults seek treatment fromsobadores for musculoskeletal pain not involving a fracture. Doctors are first consulted when treating children;sobadores are consulted if doctors do not provide culturally appropriate treatment. Mexican immigrants seek care that addresses their culturally determined health concerns. The need to improve access to culturally competent biomedical health care for vulnerable immigrant populations continues.
Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research