Correlates of complementary and alternative medicine utilization in depressed, underserved african american and Hispanic patients in primary care settings.

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study seeks to examine the correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in depressed underserved minority populations receiving medical care in primary care settings. Methods: A prospective study using interviewer-administered surveys and medical record reviews was conducted at 2 large outpatient primary care clinics providing care primarily to underserved African American and Hispanic individuals located in Los Angeles, California. A total of 2321 patients were screened for depression. Of these, 315 met the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 criteria for mild to severe depression. Results: Over 57% of the sample reported using CAM sometimes or often (24%) and frequently (33%) for treatment of their depressive symptoms. Controlling for demographic characteristics, lack of health care coverage remained one of the strongest predictors of CAM use. Additionally, being moderately depressed, using psychotherapeutic prescription medications, and poorer self-reported health...