Considerations about Health/Illness Processes in the First Stages of the Life Cycle in two Mbya-Guaraní Communities from the Province of Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results from my research focused on beliefs and practices related to the life cycle and certain health-illness processes related to their different stages, in two Mbya communities in the province of Misiones, in the Argentinian northeast. We have centered our research on parasite illnesses and the groups' numerous beliefs and experiences around their origin, diagnosis, prevention and therapeutics.

We used observations and interviews to characterize the diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies performed by different individuals as well as recognize and define risk situations related with parasite infestation and transmission in the context of their domestic activities.

Our investigation showed that certain forms of child care, in particular those related to respecting food prescriptions and taboos are meant to protect children from possible risk situations.

Key words:

• life cycle
• health/illnesses processes
• child care
• Mbya
• ethnography