Jivi indigenous peoples: family functioning and health care, an analysis from Community Health Nursing practices

Abstract

Objective: To explore the meaning of beliefs and practices related to family functioning and health care in a Venezuelan indigenous group. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research study was conducted using a focused-ethnography (FE) method. The techniques implemented during data collection were focus group and observer-as-participant. Twenty-seven people distributed into four groups were included in the study. The qualitative content analysis method was selected for the interpretation stage. Results: The most significant findings revealed that Jivi people's customs were mixed with modern practices. Cultural practices such as maternity and childbirth are processes in which the formal healthcare system has a secondary role. Moreover, participants showed flexibility in terms of responsibilities without association to sex. Conclusion: Training of human resources with an intercultural approach is a measure that could strengthen the practices of ethnic groups in terms of healthcare.