title: Herbal remedies in a Nicaraguan barrio.
abstract: To become more culturally competent, nurses need to increase their knowledge of the health practices of their immigrant clients. With the growing Latino immigrant community, it is imperative that nurses learn more about the cultures from which the immigrants come. This article examines the use of herbal remedies in treating common illnesses in a barrio in Managua, Nicaragua. Data were collected in a random sample of households in an impoverished community of more than 1,600 persons. The use of herbal remedies occurred in 78% of the households. Herbal remedies were used for a variety of symptoms. There was no difference in herbal remedy use based on age or education. The discussion focuses on the availability and functionality of these herbal remedies for this vulnerable population. Implications are addressed for incorporating this information into nursing practice with Central American immigrants, thereby increasing cultural competence.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing and Health Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, USA. railinge@gmu.edu
authors.forename: Rita L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ailinger
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zamora
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benavides
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D004522:Educational Status; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D009527:Nicaragua; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011204:Poverty Areas; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012651:Self Medication / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data