EXPERIENCE OF HYPERTENSIVE DISEASE AND TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN ETHNIC MAPUCHE HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To describe and understand the experience of hypertension as well as factors that help or hinder treatment adherence in Mapuche patients enrolled in a cardiovascular program in the Arauco health service. Method: Qualitative and descriptive study with a phenomenological focus. Sample was comprised of twelve hypertensive Mapuche patients who were subjects of an in-depth interview. Thematic analysis was carried out for information analysis. Results: The hypertension was experienced with unfamiliarity and in reference to the western health system, focused mainly on physiological symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. Treatment was perceived with distrust and the quality of care was perceived as poor. Family stands-out as a mediator of treatment in adherent patients and absent in non-adherents, and a source of information about medicinal herbs. Patients drink herbal infusions to maximize the effects of prescribed medications. There was no reference to any Mapuche disease category or spirituality, and patients did not seek help from health ancestral agents. Conclusion: Insufficient knowledge of hypertension, lack of trust in the treatment, the replacement of prescribed medication with medicinal herbs are some of the obstacles in adherence to treatment in Mapuche patients. Not consulting health ancestral agents and a lack of reference to any Mapuche disease category and spirituality, may be due to the loss of Mapuche traditions. The definition of the health problem and its treatment from a Western perspective would be showing that the cultural tension is over emphasized and explain lack of treatment adherence.