Data on the use of traditional and complementary medicine, WHO Region of the Americas

An understanding of the population-level data available on the use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine is critical for reducing unmet health needs and improving health outcomes. Although research has shown that the existence of unmet health-care needs among people receiving conventional health care can drive the use of traditional medicine, the motivations for its use are complex and often related to cultural traditions, personal preferences and perceptions of effectiveness. At present, only limited population-based data are available on who uses traditional medicine, the reasons for its use, the context in which it is used (even when traditional medicine is a primary choice) and the outcomes of treatment. To address this data gap, we identified and analysed population-based surveys that reported data on traditional medicine use for perceived health problems in the World Health Organization's Region of the Americas. Based on the findings, we discuss how best to analyse available population-based survey data and how survey questions on traditional medicine can be refined to enhance their usefulness. Strengthened data collection on traditional medicine can inform health-care policy on the integration of traditional practices into the health system, aid efforts to educate both health-care providers and the public on traditional medicine, support culturally responsive and people-centred care, and foster the ethical and effective integration of traditional medicine into health systems.