A experiência de acidentes ofídicos em duas comunidades indígenas do Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena do Alto Rio Solimões

Abstract

The indigenous population of the Amazon is the most affected by snakebites and has numerous impasses that make access to antivenin treatment difficult, which favors the greater use of indigenous medicine and explains the high rates of mortality and Brazilian notifications in the Amazon region. Objective: This study aimed to describe the experience of snakebites in two indigenous communities in the Alto Rio Solimões Special Indigenous Health District. Method: We used the focus group to conduct interviews in the Bananal and Nova Vila Communities, which resulted in the discussion of three main themes i) empirical knowledge on snakebites; ii) knowledge of severity signs and symptoms; iii) emergency care and means of transport. Result/discussion: The indigenous worldview regarding the snakebite patient and the therapeutic approaches used in indigenous medicine, brought knowledge of treatment with the use of garlic with tobacco, ingestion of parts of the snakebite animal, mysticism and a new vision of women in their pregnancy period -puerperal. Accidents were reported when hunting, farming, passing through narrow paths and in the vicinity of the river. After the accident, it was common to apply empirical knowledge to the patient as a cultural practice in order to cure, alleviate pain, avoid deaths and worsening, being they with deprivation of visits, bloodletting methods, liquid intake, mixtures of plants and roots. Reports of adherence to biomedical treatment and the search for specialized care were present in all reports, showing that indigenous people are not unaware of the importance of antivenom. Conclusion: The logistics of treatment with antivenom proved to be an important factor in the greater use of indigenous medicine, as well as understanding this use and the worldview of indigenous people regarding their knowledge and practices contributes to respect, promotion and prevention in health