Cultural perspectives of tuberculosis transmission and treatment among the Xavánte of Mato Grosso State, Brazil

The objective of this note is to present preliminary results of an ongoing study of Xavánte perspectives regarding tuberculosis (TB) and their implications for treatment and control. Interviews conducted at the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Reserve, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, revealed multiple explanatory models for the illness. The Xavánte emphasize sorcery (simi'õ or abzé) and microbes as principal causes of TB. Accordingly, they not only make use of phytotherapies, but also follow the chemotherapy prescribed by biomedicine. Among the Xavánte, indigenous culture is not an impediment to the execution of measures indicated by the National Tuberculosis Control Program (PNCT), since it is not in conflict with biomedicine. To the contrary, the Xavánte demonstrate interest in medical tests, allow BCG vaccinations, show up for consultations, and follow the prescribed chemotherapy. As a counterpoint, local health services do not carry out or carry out incompletely important activities prescribed by the PNCT, compromising the priorities of early detection and adequate treatment of new cases of the disease.

Tuberculosis; Ethnomedicine; Health Services; South American Indians