Saberes y prácticas de una población rural maya con diabetes tipo 2 sobre plantas medicinales

Abstract

Objective: To explore the knowledge and practices that are developed from the experiences of the use of medicinal plants in people with DT2 of a Mayan community of Yucatán, Mexico. Method: qualitative research that took place in Tekit, Yucatán, using a semi structured survey with snowball sampling until theorical saturation is reached. Data analysis was performed though Janice Morse’s cognitive process. Results: theorical saturation was obtained with eight participants. Six categories were identified. One of them refers to plants utilized has an hypoglycemia effect identifying 22 plants according to Mayan population, others refers to experience and use reasons, knowledge transfer, relations with health personnel and faith related practices. Findings: Traditional medicine is an option of health care for the person living with type 2 diabetes in Tekit, Yucatan, Mexico due to the difficulty in attention for various factors; it could be used as a therapeutic option for the search of a cure to the disease and / or Cease symptoms. The health professional in the indigenous communities must approach a cultural understanding to be involved in self-management of health by understanding the practices and apply it in comprehensive care with a purpose of improving attention in healthcare services.