Cultural Meanings of Musculoskeletal Diseases in Chile’s Mapuche Population

Introduction: Eight out of 10 Mapuche indigenous women have a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and do not seek early medical aid. Purpose: To study both the cultural meanings and implications of MSD from the Mapuche worldview. Design: Ethnographic study carried out from 2008 to 2011 on indigenous reserves in southern Chile. Sixty-four Mapuches participated in comprehensive interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed by the research team. Findings: Five cultural domains: (a) foro kutran/bone disease is the general denomination of MSD; (b) Re-Rume Kutran/progressive and incurable course, refers to the course of the disease; (c) Kalül fücha mawiza/body is an old tree, describes internal manifestations such as worn bones, dry body, weak blood, and spiritual weakness; (d) witrür tripai foro/deformation is the external manifestation of MSD; and (e) Reñma ka lof kutran/family and community suffering refers to the impact of MSD. Conclusions: The explanation of MSD is consistent with the integrated body–nature–spirit worldview of the Mapuche. Practice Implications: To provide cultural nursing health care so that patients receive prompt diagnosis and care.