title: Cross cultural communication of tetanus vaccinations in Bolivia.
abstract: Although neonatal tetanus (NNT) is common in developing countries, many people are unaware of its causes and prevention. A study analyzed cultural beliefs and practices to understand how people in three cultural areas in Bolivia (Aymara, Quechua and Tupi-Guarani) think about NNT and tetanus toxoid (TT) immunizations. In all three cultural areas NNT is perceived within a magical and biological framework that involves alternative healing systems and healers. Tetanus immunization programs could be more successful if tetanus were a clearly marked target for the Aymara, Quechua and Tupi-Guarani people, and vaccinators were sensitive to their cultural perceptions. Health workers need to communicate cross-culturally the relationship of TT vaccinations to how members of these ethnic groups perceive NNT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, University of Texas, Arlington, USA.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bastien
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001838:Bolivia; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013742:Tetanus / Q000151:congenital / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid
chemical_list: D013745:Tetanus Toxoid