[The use of anthropologic methods for studying the causes of lack of vaccination. The case of Nativitas, Xochimilco].
The relationship between the socio-cultural characteristics of a population and their participation in immunization programs is described in this paper. An anthropological approach was utilized to study the reasons why certain population groups do not participate in the immunization programs or do so inadequately. The study was undertaken in a community south of Mexico City. The paper contains the description of the community's contextual elements, the organization of the medical care services and the participation of the population in the immunization programs. It was found that a wide millieu of socio-cultural factors are related with people's behavior toward vaccination, such as: lack of information about diseases and vaccines, lack of trust on modern health services, and the strong influence of traditional medicine. Clear implications can be derived from the analysis with regards to the need for revision and modification of strategies of the health education programs, in order to promote a wider participation in immunization programs.
Nigenda-López
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G
Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, México, D.F.
Orozco-Núñez
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E
D000884:Anthropology, Cultural / Q000379:methods*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
Uso de métodos antropológicos para el estudio de las causas de no vacunación. El caso de Nativitas, Xochimilco.