Líderes informales de salud

Abstract

A study with the purpose of identifying the existence of informal health providers and the use of informal medicine by the community is presented. Results of the real experiences and comparative use of formal vs. informal medicine were analyzed. This research was done on a sample of 25% of households in a section of "La Pincoya", in the northern area of Santiago with 370 answered questionnaries. Results showed a range of 14 to 78 years with 73% between 25 and 54 as the age of the respondents. 6.8 0 /o had no education and the mean of schooling was 6 years, higher in the younger groups. 3 out of 4 recognized the existence of “informal agents”, and 26% to 36% recognized having use them with highly satisfactory results. Mother divide among formal medicine, informal agents and their own ability when their children have specific signs, evaluating each situation and making decisions according to what they think is best. This behavior may depend on health education previously received.