Understanding cultural adherence and the use of traditional medicine in Waskaganish First Nation

Changes in the Cree way of life over the last century are reflected by an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since traditional medicine (TM) is considered an appropriate complementary approach for T2D treatment and management, suitable delivery methods need to be determined. Using commun...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Tabib, Christine
Other Authors: Timothy A Johns (Supervisor)
Format: Others
Language:en
Published: McGill University 2011
Subjects:
Online Access:http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=96865
Description
Summary:Changes in the Cree way of life over the last century are reflected by an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since traditional medicine (TM) is considered an appropriate complementary approach for T2D treatment and management, suitable delivery methods need to be determined. Using community-approved interview and focus group guides, this qualitative study aimed to understand how the community's cultural practices affect TM use and how TM is perceived by various groups. Two themes emerged from interviews. First, modernization has influenced culture and affects the receptivity of reintroducing TM to the community. Second, participants identified that the health benefits of traditional culture can improve the community's well-being. Focus groups displayed differing levels of knowledge about TM, but everyone agreed that further education is needed before reviving TM use. These findings demonstrate that community-based programs for promoting all aspects of traditional culture, including the use of TM, should be considered. === Le mode de vie des Cris a changé dès la fin du 19e siècle. Aussi, la prévalence du diabète s'avère la plus élevée au Canada. La médecine traditionnelle (MT) s'est révélée être une approche culturellement appropriée pour un traitement complémentaire du diabète. Il faut toutefois déterminer la meilleure façon d'administrer cette médecine.Cette étude, de nature qualitative, décrit comment les habitudes et croyances des Cris influencent l'utilisation de la MT et comment celle-ci est perçue parmi les différents groupes rencontrés à Waskaganish.Nos résultats montrent que la vie moderne a changé les habitudes des Cris quant à l'utilisation des MT. Cependant, les participants ont indiqué que la culture et santé sont liées et que la MT n'est pas, à cet égard, sans bénéfices pour leur communauté. Il ressort qu'il y a un manque de connaissance sur les MT et qu'il faut promouvoir la culture crie en lien avec la MT.