Community beliefs toward causes of illness: cross cultural studies in Tolotang and Ammatoa Ethnics in Indonesia

• Hamdan Juhannis ^[1] ; Nildawati ^[2] ; Habibi ^[2] ; M. Fais Satrianegara ^[2] ; Munawir Amansyah ^[2] ; Nurdiyanah Syarifuddin ^[2]
  1. [1] Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin, Makassar, Indonesia
  2. [2] Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin, Makassar, Indonesia
• Localización: Gaceta sanitaria: Órgano oficial de la Sociedad Española de Salud Pública y Administración Sanitaria, ISSN 0213-9111, Vol. 35, Nº. Extra 1, 2021 (Ejemplar dedicado a: The 1rst International Conference on Safety and Public Health), págs. 19-22
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2020.12.006
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• Resumen

  • Objective This study aimed to compare community beliefs regarding causes of illness and preventive actions of two minority ethnic groups in Indonesia.

    Method A qualitative design with an ethnographic and phenomenological approach with a total of 18 participants.

    Result The Ammatoa Kajang and Towani Tolotang do believe that many factors determine health status. Both ethnics keep the faith that fail to follow tribe's rules and disobedience to their customs and values inherited from their ancestors will affect their health. The most significant similarity is the way they respect their community leader and traditions. Although both ethnics believe that disease caused by evil spirits, they have a different perspective on disease prevention. While Ammatoa Kajang emphasis more on adherence to Ammatoa's instructions, Towani Tolotang perceives that they should maintain good relations and perform self-control.

    Conclusion There is a need to develop health policies and programs for indigenous community without compromising preserved cultural values.