Abstract

RODRIGUEZ G, Mauricio et al. Knowledge, attitude, and practices about focal epithelial hyperplasia in the Huitoto/Ticuna native community of Colombian Amazon . rev.fac.med. [online]. 2008, vol.56, n.2, pp.101-108. ISSN 0120-0011.

Background . Focal epitelial hyperplasia, is a frequent illness in certain native communities, produced by a virus, but, some others factors can play an important rol in its presentation. Objective. To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the Huitoto/ Ticuna indigenous community of the Colombian Amazon about focal epithelial hyperplasia. Materials and methods. A diagnostic map is planned according how the cases are presented in each family. An interview guide is designed according: perception of the problem, previous experiences, impact ant treatment, choice 10 houses with positive cases accomplishing interviews to depth semi-structured and an analysis for sub-topics and for commands. Qualitative methodology for the obtaining of the information, inside a descriptive study was applicable. Results. Three men and nine women. Eleven of the subjects belong to the ethnic group Ticuna and one from the ethnic group Yagua. The interviewed people were between 17 and 46 years old. Only two cases were reported in girls and the rest were in boys whose ages oscillated between two and eight years old. The injury is widely known, but for them it does not constitute a problem since aside from the aesthetic point; it does not cause symptoms that interfere with their daily life. They consider that the disease takes place by contact with contaminated elements. They deny the possibility of infection from person to person. For the handling of these injuries, they use substances, like salt and ash. They scrape the injuries believing that when leaving the blood, it leaves the disease.They topically apply substances referred by them as vegetal resins. Conclusions. As an etiologic mechanism refers to the infection by means of vectors. The way to eliminate the disease is the aesthetic aspect. They know of natural methods for the handling of these injuries, which are characterized by the use of the elements such as plants and animals. Considering the viral etiology, psycho educational campaigns should be guided towards the risk of contagiousness from person to person.

Keywords : focal epithelial hyperplasia; health knowledge; attitudes; practice; native population.

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