Use, Circulation and Meanings of Pharmaceuticals among Pilagá, Guaraní, Mbya-Guaraní, Tapiete and Toba Communities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Practices related with use and consumption of pharmaceuticals constitute a venue to analyze the incorporation of biomedicine and public health actions among indigenous peoples. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use, circulation and meaning given to pharmaceuticals by Tapiete, Guaraní, Mbya-Guaraní, Pilagá and Toba indigenous communities from rural and peri-urban areas in the Argentine provinces of Salta, Formosa and Misiones. METHODS: Descriptive, comparative and exploratory study, based on qualitative techniques: observation and semi-structured interviews conducted in hospitals, health centers, pharmacies and houses of indigenous families during 2012-2013. RESULTS: Indigenous peoples obtained pharmaceuticals through different channels. In some of the groups there was a high incidence of self-medication with consumption of analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics (amoxicillin), as well as a coexistence of native cultural practices and those of the biomedical health system and diverse therapeutic itineraries. There was a larger presence of pharmaceuticals among Guaraní and Tapiete groups in Salta and the peri-urban Toba community in Formosa, less among the Pilagá and scarce among the Mbya-Guaraní. CONCLUSIONS: The relation with pharmaceuticals varies greatly according to the ethnic group. In spite of the difficult relation with health care services, there is wide acceptance of pharmaceuticals. It is necessary to consider the health and illness practices of native peoples to improve preventive measures and interventions.