Drinking seawater: Users’ perspectives in La Ceja, Colombia

Authors

  • María Mercedes Arias Valencia Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.
  • Wilmer Soler Terranova Universidad de Antioquia, Colomia
  • Gustavo Arango Tamayo Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

Abstract

Summary. Objective: describe the phenomenon of the usage of sea water in the municipality of La Ceja, Colombia. Methodology: Field work with ethnographic tools were applied for the analysis; 30 sea water dispensaries were visited and 76 interviews were conducted. The participants were from both sexes, all ages, diverse marital status and occupations. Results: The attributed effects go from ailments healing, doubtful or no efficacy, up to negative effects. Users attribute benefits in illnesses such as chronic gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, migraine, skin problems and varicose ulcers. There were representations of sea water like panacea and miracle; the sea is related to the origin of life and the salt is related to healing. Conclusions: Users employ it as health complement and as alternative to western medicine. Need as an incentive and also faith emerge with the logic of the phenomenon of drinking sea water. We call the attention of health institutions to have this and other phenomena in mind as well as their health implications. Key words: collective health, Sea water, Qualitative research.

Author Biographies

María Mercedes Arias Valencia, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

Doctora en Salud Pública; Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

Wilmer Soler Terranova, Universidad de Antioquia, Colomia

Maestro en Bioquímica; Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

Gustavo Arango Tamayo, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

Maestro en Ciencias Sociales; Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

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Published

2013-06-13

Issue

Section

Original Research