Our Grandmothers’ Ways: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by the Gullah-Geechee in McIntosh County, Georgia
Johnson, Roman
Citations
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for diabetes management purposes among the Gullah-Geechee of McIntosh County, Georgia. Using snowball and convenience sampling, the researcher selected four adult participants, at least 60 years old, who had Type 2 diabetes, and reported using CAM for Type 2 diabetes management. Two community experts were included in the study also. In conjunction with visiting allopathic physicians, Gullah-Geechee people use several types of CAM, but do not use CAM types such as teas like life everlasting (Gnaphalium polycephalum) and cinnamon capsules for chronic conditions. Participants selected for this study were raised in McIntosh County, Georgia, and identified as Gullah-Geechee. The data was gathered using phenomenological interviewing. A semi-structured interview format was provided to participants’ to understand their experiences using CAM for diabetes management. Interviews did not exceed an hour. Reported herbal tea use received additional consideration.
