Psychiatric disorders among the Mapuche in Chile.
BACKGROUND
The Mapuche are the largest indigenous group in Chile; yet almost all data on the mental health of indigenous populations are from North America.


OBJECTIVE
The study examines the differential DSM-III-R prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders and service utilization among indigenous and non-indigenous community residence.


METHODS
The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was administered to a stratified random sample of 75 Mapuche and 434 non-Mapuche residents of the province of Cautín. Lifetime prevalence and 12-month prevalence rates were estimated.


RESULTS
Approximately 28.4% of the Mapuche population had a lifetime, and 15.7% a 12-month, prevalent psychiatric disorder compared to 38.0% and 25.7%, respectively, of the non-Mapuche. Few significant differences were noted between the two groups; however, generalized anxiety disorder, simple phobia, and drug dependence were less prevalent among the Mapuche. Service utilization among the Mapuche with mental illness was low.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a preliminary study based on a small sample size. Further research on the mental health of indigenous populations of South America is needed.
Vicente
Benjamin
B
Universidad de Concepcion, Departamento de Psiquiatria y Salud Mental, Chile. bvicent@udec.cl
Kohn
Robert
R
Rioseco
Pedro
P
Saldivia
Sandra
S
Torres
Silverio
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003710:Demography; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence