Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Paschke, M.
Health and cultural communication in Central America: Case studies in rural Guatemala
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Medical University of Graz; 2014. pp. 143
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Freidl Wolfgang
- Rasky Eva
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- Abstract:
- This thesis analyzes public health issues regarding cultural communication in Central America based on a qualitative case study, emphasizing the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among the rural population in Guatemala. The aim is to reveal significant factors and coherences in terms of health related issues and health-seeking behavior among the rural population of Guatemala. Taken into account various groups of patients, such as the indigenous Maya, the study’s objective is to demonstrate considerable differences between these patient groups regarding perception and awareness of health, as well as adherence to and understanding of medical treatment. For this thesis, the method of systematic literature review was chosen, whereas qualitative, semi-structured interviews were performed and quantitatively evaluated. The study was carried out with 103 Guatemalan volunteers of any descent aged 15-86 years. Following variables were taken under consideration: age, gender, indigenous descent, profession/education, medical history, patient’s compliance, and reasons for non-compliance. Finally, associations were drawn between the predetermined variables and the presence of diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, the relation between educational attainment and health-related matters (patient adherence, health perception and understanding, dietary habits) were analyzed. The study’s results reveal a higher prevalence of patients’ non-compliance and negligent health-seeking behavior among the more poorly educated patients in both genders, as well as a higher frequency rate of female patients seeking medical advice. The outcome portends the importance of health education and the development of interventional initiatives, concentrating more on poorly educated and indigenous populations to lower the differences in health-seeking behaviors and patient compliance among both men and women. Structures may involve enhanced health education in schools, incorporating bilingual awareness programs and promotion for better cultural communication and health consciousness.