Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 13, Issue 6, 2011, Pages 1183-1186

Medications for sexual health available from non-medical sources: A need for increased access to healthcare and education among immigrant latinos in the rural Southeastern USA (Article)

Rhodes S.D.* , Fernández F.M. , Leichliter J.S. , Vissman A.T. , Duck S. , O'Brien M.C. , Miller C. , Wilkin A.M. , Harris G.A. , Hostetler D.M. , Bloom F.R.
  • a Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1063, United States, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
  • b School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
  • c Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
  • d Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1063, United States
  • e Chatham Social Health Council, Siler City, NC, United States
  • f Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1063, United States, Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
  • g Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1063, United States
  • h Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
  • i School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
  • j School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
  • k Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States

Abstract

This study documented the types and quality of sexual health medications obtained by immigrant Latinos from non-medical sources. Samples of the medications were purchased from non-medical sources in the rural Southeast by trained native Spanish-speaking "buyers". Medications were screened the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients using mass spectrometry. Eleven medications were purchased from tiendas and community members. Six were suggested to treat sexually transmitted diseases, one was to treat sexual dysfunction, one was to prevent pregnancy, and two were to assist in male-to-female transgender transition or maintenance. All medications contained the stated active ingredients. Findings suggest that medications are available from non-medical sources and may not be used as indicated. Interventions that target immigrant Latinos within their communities and rely on existing structures may be effective in reducing barriers to medical and healthcare services and increasing the proper use of medications to reduce potential harm. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Southeastern USA sexual health Latino Medication Transgender Viagra

Index Keywords

education consumer health information human rural population Commerce Pharmaceutical Preparations United States Humans drug male Emigrants and Immigrants female commercial phenomena Article migration Reproductive Health Southeastern United States Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80755177046&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-010-9396-7&partnerID=40&md5=282ddb828acc34fca7c1fa6b9b83dc4e
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-010-9396-7
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 13
Original Language: English