Recorded presentation

Roberto Suarez, PHD, Department of Anthropology & Faculty of Medicine/Department of Social Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18a-10, Bogotá, Colombia, +57/1/3324510, rsuarez@uniandes.edu.co and Catalina Gonzalez, MA, Department of Anthropology/Medical Anthropology group, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 No.18a-10, Bogotá, Colombia.

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the main caused of mortality among peasant adult populations in Colombia . Within this context the relationship between culture and nutrition needs to be studied to develop prevention strategies. Methods: The objective of the study was to describe cultural factors related to nutritional habits and knowledge about their relationship with gastric cancer among a low income peasant population (n=30) in the municipality of Soraca/Colombia. This study used a qualitative approach using direct social observation, semi-structured interviews and archive work,. Results: respondents reported that dietary intake was important, only, as a source of strength: as a “fuelling” system necessary for their labor journeys. Farinaceous products are the basic element of everyday meals and represent for peasant the privileged source of vigor. Meat is perceived as a complementary ingredient but not essential in their diet. Notions of hygiene were very diffuse and systems to refrigerate food are not widely used. Conclusion: Although cultural factors related to nutrition, health practices, and health and disease perception play an important role in the reproduction of gastric cancer, this relationship in the everyday cognition of peasants is not acknowledged. Gastric cancer is a disease readable by local peasant population, but not meaningful in their health culture. Scientific knowledge finds in nutritional culture a critical factor for developing gastric cancer, while popular knowledge perceives it as a key source of vigor necessary for working and thus being healthy. In this sense, efforts of local public health policies to prevent gastric cancer need to account for local cultures and health practices of peasant populations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session the participants will be able to
• Identify cultural factors influencing health social practices
• Discuss nutritional culture as a mechanism to develop adapted health interventions
• Analyze nutritional habits as a tool to develop adapted public health policies

Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Community Health

Related Web page: anmedica.uniandes.edu.co

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Cancer National Institute of Colombia. The results of this study have been used by this institution to improve and implement better measures of control and prevention in Colombian rural areas.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation