Sailing on common sense: community health in Quinchao Health District, 2007

Abstract

This article summarizes and reflects upon the experiences of a multidisciplinary health team working with rural families in the community of Quinchao on the island of Chiloé, southern Chile during the 2007 year. First, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current rural health practices in this area. Secondly, we show the need for a sociocultural approach to rural health that encompasses the relationship between health-illness-health care, and articulates healing knowledge in a way that allows us to promote, prevent, and cure illnesses.