Knowledge and practice of traditional medicine in Mexico: a survey of healthcare practitioners

A cross-sectional study combined anthropologic (ethnographic) techniques to obtain qualitative information from decision makers and a questionnaire designed to investigate the population that used health services provided by the medical centers in Mexico. The results demonstrate that non-biomedical therapists fell into three main groups: (1) practitioners of traditional medicine; (2) practitioners of alternative medicine; and (3) faith healers. The cultural affiliations, academic backgrounds, training, and preparation of these practitioners differed markedly. They employed many strategies to finance their services, create and utilize therapist networks, and provide care to different segments of the population. The authors recommend further research on non-biomedical health care models, which are becoming more important with expanding globalization.