A descriptive study of the developing role of village health workers in a remote Tarahumara pueblo

Abstract

Six young women from a remote Tarahumara pueblo are functioning as village health workers. Through qualitative research techniques informed by symbolic interactionism, the investigator has sought to determine what it is like for these women living in a pre-Columbian society to develop this new role. Some issues guiding the research were; education, families' reactions to the new role, perceived changes in the health status of the pueblo and current attitudes of village health workers toward their new role. Although it was difficult for these women to respond to abstract questions regarding their feelings and emotions, rich descriptive data emerged outlining the women's perceptions of the village health worker role and its effects on their families and the community. The major themes that emerged during this research were; "wanting to learn more;" "less sickness and death among children;" "personal hygiene has changed lives;" and "medicine is gaining acceptance."