Attempt at the integration of indigenous and Western medicines in Bolivia

An analysis was made of cultural components related directly to health and illness among rural inhabitants living on the high plains of the Andean mountains of Bolivia in order to identify constraints that may hinder the integration of traditional and Western medical regimes in the area. The paper: includes: an empirical analysis of social structure, political power, environmental factors, economic development, and religious aspects of disease present in the area; a demographic health survey of two village populations living on the high plains; an examination of the possible use of a modified empowerment model to access traditional and Western health care systems; and investigation of the communicative value of symbols and pictographs to communicate health information to illiterate populations present in the highlands of Bolivia.