Prescription, OTC and Complementary Medicine Use among Hmong Adults in Central California

Prescription medication and non-prescription medication (otherwise known as over-the-counter, or OTC medication) are common and readily available to treat illness. Many individuals, however, choose the of use complementary medicine instead of or in conjunction with prescription or OTC medication. The reasons for using complementary medicines and its perceived effectiveness may vary among age, gender, or racial/ethnic groups. Better understanding of health-seeking behaviours, particularly in regards to medication use, can aid healthcare providers in counselling and treating indigenous populations such as the Hmong.