Research Mentor Name

Anil N.F. Aranha

Research Mentor Email Address

AAranha@med.wayne.edu

Institution / Department

Internal Medicine

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

globalhealth

Graduate Level Research

no

Abstract

Title: Health Practices and Use of Traditional Medicine Among Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States: A Pilot Study

Authors

Parita Patel, MPH1; Anil N.F. Aranha, PhD1,2

Medical Education1, Internal Medicine2, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Traditional and alternative medicine (TAM), including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and home remedies, remains widely used among Asian Indian (AI) immigrants in the United States alongside Western medicine. Cultural familiarity, family influence, and perceived safety shape these practices. This pilot study examined TAM prevalence, patterns, and perceptions among AI immigrants and its impact on healthcare-seeking behavior.

Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to adult AI immigrants in the U.S., capturing sociodemographics, health status, healthcare access, TAM use/motivations, perceived effectiveness, and comparisons between U.S. and India-based healthcare. Data was coded/analyzed using IBM-SPSS with statistical significance established at p < 0.05.

Results: Among 28 study participants (mean age 39±18 years; 67.9% male), 75% had bachelor’s degree or higher, 85.7% earned above $50,000, 85.7% were first-generation, 67.9% culturally connected, and 67.9% primarily spoke an Indian language at home. Full-time employment (75%) and employer-sponsored insurance (60.7%) were common. Overall, 71.4% used TAM—most often home remedies (39.3%) for minor illnesses. Motivations included natural-healing beliefs and family/cultural influence. Satisfaction with TAM was high (85.7%), and 35.7% supported integrating it with Western medicine. While 71.4% visited a U.S. physician annually, 32.1% delayed medical care due to cost. A minority (3.6%) sought healthcare in India for affordability and trusted providers.

Conclusions: Our study highlights TAM as an important, culturally grounded practice among AI immigrants. These findings support the need for further research on integrating culturally informed models of TAM practices within U.S. healthcare for AI populations to provide effective and affordable medical care.

Keywords

Ayurveda · Homeopathy · Asian Indian immigrants · Traditional medicine · Cultural beliefs · Health-seeking behavior · Integrative healthcare · United States

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Asian Studies | Chemicals and Drugs | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Family Medicine | Health Services Research | Integrative Medicine | Internal Medicine | International and Area Studies | Medical Sciences | Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Medicine and Health Sciences | Primary Care | Public Health

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