The purpose of this study was to describe the use of opioids and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among uninsured free clinic patients. A self-administered paper survey was collected to describe the use of opioids, complementary, and alternative medicine, and other pain relievers from 877 free clinic patients from January to April 2018. The US born English speakers are more likely to use CAM, nonprescription pain relievers, and prescription opioids, and to be more knowledgeable about opioids compared to non-US born English speakers and Spanish speakers. The main source of opioids for free clinic patients is a health care facility other than a free clinic as well as friends. Although nonprescription pain relievers are commonly used among free clinic patients, CAM is less common to use for pain control. More health education programs are needed to increase the knowledge of opioid risks among free clinic patients as well as other underserved population.
Keywords: complementary and alternative medicine; free clinics; medically uninsured; opioids; pain relievers.
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