Abstract

URIOSTEGUI-FLORES, Adrián. Cultural specific syndromes treated by traditional doctors. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2015, vol.17, n.2, pp.277-288. ISSN 0124-0064.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rsap.v17n2.42243.

Objective In the present work we part of the theoretical concepts of sociocultural epidemiology to study the culture-specific syndromes that are attended by traditional healers in the city of Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico. Methodology The study was primarily qualitative. Interview questionnaire was designed, and took into account the proposals with respect to sampling in qualitative research. Considering the above, we located six renowned traditional physicians living in the same town. The questionnaire was applied to these people, and included open-ended questions about the characteristics of these healers, the causality of the major culture-specific syndromes, treatments, preventive measures employed to prevent or mitigate their impact, and the consequences that can happen if these imbalances or illnesses are not treated with due care. Results The main findings show how cultural epidemiology provides an alternative way to analyze these discomforts, which continue to be served by ancient physicians who live in the community. Such conditions are basically the "evil eye", "empacho", air, sunken fontanelle, shock, envy, bewitchment, blood with toxins, "etika", "algodoncillo", "púrpura", "milky" infants, and "aquiztle". Also disclosed treatments, preventive measures and consequences that can occur if such conditions do not take care in advance. Conclusions We have registered culture-specific syndromes, treatments, preventive measures, and varied consequences if healing is neglected, this is an important part of the structure and medical ideology presented in this resort town, located in the Northern Region of the Estado de Guerrero, Mexico.

Keywords : Epidemiology; culture; ethical relativism.

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