Knowledge and perceptions in the health-disease process of children in migrants, Perú

Cardozo-Alarcón V. · Revista de Salud Publica (2023) · DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v25n6.71055

Resumen

Objective To analyze the knowledge and perceptions of mothers, caregivers and health personnel in the health-disease process suffered by children in a Human Settlement in the suburbs of Lima in order to identify the social and cultural aspects of children's health. Methods A qualitative methodology was applied adapting the ethnographic method by using interviews, focus groups and conversations with the mothers and/or caregivers of the children that included the health personnel. Results The mothers or caregivers of the children associated “good health” with the absence of illness, good performance in school, the mood of the child “active, awake” child and having an appetite, the child “wants to eat”. On the other hand, there was a perception that environmental and geographical factors were a cause of the presence of diseases. Also, the emotional side of the mother and her constant frustrations would be an import-ant factor to prevent the proper care of her children. On the other hand, the discomfort of the health personnel was evidenced because they perceived that the mothers were not sufficiently “responsible” to make efforts in bringing their children to the control of health. Conclusions The study concluded by highlighting distinctive knowledge and perceptions in a number of areas, including: the diversity of child caregivers, the linkages with the environment, the gap between the knowledge of caregivers and the decisions they make, and the lack of reciprocal understanding between mothers and health personnel.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos