USING OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV Pedroza Escobar
The using of traditional medicine in the world is well recognized to treat different health problems, which is evidenced by the variety of natural and plant products available on the market and the presence of markets specialized in trading medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to interview a group of people living with HIV on using of medicinal plants. Participants (n 86) were grouped into those who frequently use medicinal plants (n 51) and those who do not use any type of complementary medicine (n 35) We found that all study participants had used complementary therapies to treat diseases before being diagnosed reactive to HIV, and a high proportion of these participants turn constantly to the using of medicinal plants to supplement their anti retroviral treatment in order to maintain and improve their health and quality of life.