Emotional and social well-being in the indigenous population of Latin America: A systematic review

Cardenas-Tambo T.; Cervantes-Henríquez M.L. · Atencion Primaria (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2026.103519

Resumen

Objective To synthesize empirical evidence on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) in Latin American Indigenous populations and its link to cultural practices, collective actions, and community processes. Design Systematic review with narrative synthesis, thematic analysis, and bibliometric analysis; protocol registered in OSF (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/UB7JD). Data sources Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, SciELO, and manual searches in Google Scholar. Study selection Empirical studies in Latin American Indigenous populations published since 2015 were included. Studies conducted outside the region and documents lacking complete data were excluded. Data extraction Two-stage screening (title/abstract and full text). Extraction of characteristics and findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the MMAT. Results A total of 215 records were identified; duplicates were removed (n = 19). Twenty-three full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 19 studies were included (Brazil = 7, Chile = 5, Colombia = 4, Ecuador = 1, Mexico = 1, Peru = 1). Notably, the included evidence was predominantly based on qualitative and cross-sectional designs. Three main themes emerged: territory and spirituality as the foundation of SEWB; identity and collective memory as protective factors; and collective action and community organization as mechanisms of care. Conclusions Indigenous SEWB is configured as a relational and situated process with territorial, spiritual, and community dimensions. From a primary health care perspective, the results suggest that expanding coverage without cultural relevance and acceptability does not guarantee effective access or better health outcomes. Significant gaps remain in longitudinality, culturally relevant measurement, and intervention evaluation, which are relevant to guide programs and services.

Instituciones: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola