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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Adriana Smith, BA¹, Kirk Dearden, DrPH, MPH², Jonathan Hansen², and Ben Brinton². (1) School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, 617-638-4640, adrsmith@bu.edu, (2) Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, 214 Richards Building, Brigham Young Universtiy, Provo, UT 84602

Introduction: In 2005, Bolivia elected its first indigenous president. Can Morales improve the health of indigenous populations who constitute more than 50% of Bolivia's population? This research informs our understanding of one health issue: acute respiratory infections (ARI) among indigenous children in Bolivia. Globally, 29% of children die from neonatal and childhood ARI. Methods: This study took place in El Alto, a city of 800,000 on the outskirts of La Paz. We examined indigenous parents' careseeking practices for children with acute respiratory infections (ARI). Using the Pathway to Survival, we assessed indigenous parents' ability to recognize ARI, seek treatment and access and secure adequate care for children suffering from ARI. We conducted key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and Participatory Learning and Action among physicians, pharmacists, traditional healers and 30 parents. We distinguished between parents who recognized symptoms and took action (“doers”) and those who did not (“non-doers”). Results: Parents had difficulty recognizing symptoms of ARI and confused ARI with other respiratory problems. They also delayed treatment seeking. For indigenous parents, access and quality were problematic. Indigenous parents were frequently excluded from the health system and were poorly treated when they did seek care. Conclusions: Social inequality and cultural misunderstandings discourage Aymara parents from securing appropriate healthcare for their children. Based upon discussions with the Pan American Health Organization and Non-governmental Organizations working in Bolivia, our findings will inform policies and programs designed to improve the health of indigenous and other marginalized populations.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how social inequalities and cultural misunderstandings discourage caregivers from seeking healthcare for their children who are suffering from acute respiratory infections (ARI).
• Identify how some caregivers in indigenous communities are able to recognize signs and symptoms of ARI and seek appropriate treatment while other caregivers are not able to do so.
• Provide suggestions for programs and policies designed to improve the health of indigenous or marginalized populations.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered