Sociocultural dimension of epilepsy: An anthropological study among Guaraní communities in Bolivia-An International League Against Epilepsy/International Bureau for Epilepsy/World Health Organization Global Campaign Against Epilepsy Regional Project

This study was performed to analyze sociocultural beliefs about epilepsy among Guaraní communities in Bolivia. People with epilepsy, their family members, the general population, and local health care personnel were interviewed about the meaning of and beliefs, feelings, and practices concerning epilepsy. Epilepsy is called mano-mano, a term that means being in a constant passage between life and death. The disease is attributed mainly to a failure to observe a fasting period and to other eating habits. Natural remedies are the most recommended treatments even though half of respondents reported that antiepileptic drugs may be effective. The concept of epilepsy as an embodied disease with natural causes appears to differ from that documented in other traditional societies. People with epilepsy do not represent a threat to the community, which seems to have an attitude aimed at their protection. Moreover, people from these communities appear to favor a combination of biomedical and traditional care systems.

► This study is the first step of the Global Campaign against Epilepsy Regional Project in Bolivia. ► Sociocultural beliefs concerning epilepsy among the Guaraní were analyzed. ► Epilepsy is called mano-mano, meaning a passage between life and death. ► Epilepsy is considered an embodied disease resulting from failure to observe a fasting period. ► The Guaraní appear to favor a combination of traditional and biomedical medicine.