Objective

To explore the meaning of beliefs and practices related to family functioning and health care in a Venezuelan indigenous group.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative research study was conducted using a focused-ethnography (FE) method. The techniques implemented during data collection were focus group and observer-as-participant. Twenty-seven people distributed into four groups were included in the study. The qualitative content analysis method was selected for the interpretation stage.

Results

The most significant findings revealed that Jivi people's customs were mixed with modern practices. Cultural practices such as maternity and childbirth are processes in which the formal healthcare system has a secondary role. Moreover, participants showed flexibility in terms of responsibilities without association to sex.

Conclusion

Training of human resources with an intercultural approach is a measure that could strengthen the practices of ethnic groups in terms of healthcare.