In Sickness and Health: Views on Child Health From a Mayan Village

Abstract

Introduction: Guatemala is the only country in Central America with a majority indigenous population. Most indigenous Mayans prefer to seek health advice from family members. It is important to understand the beliefs of Mayan caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine indigenous ways of explaining health and illness in the context of one Mayan village. Method: We applied a qualitative descriptive design in summer 2017. Interviews were conducted in Spanish with 10 Mayan caregivers, who were primarily female, between ages 19 and 50 years, in Guatemala. The sample was drawn from families who received a water filter the previous year. Results: Health was explained by access to food, including local herbs, and clean water. Illness was explained by bodily symptoms and behavioral changes. Discussion: Findings align with several United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and suggest a need to strategize with global partners.