La cultura del padeciente en el descontrol de la enfermedad crónica no transmisible

Abstract

The biomedical model for chronic non-communicable dis eases considers that people with the disease must respond automatically to their medical prescription. However, this leads to a confrontation of sick people against their social group since an invisible and controlling force shapes and leads the patient into developing a disposition opposed to their required treatment plan, this element is better known as culture. The purpose of this study is to encourage reflection about the influence of culture in the lack of control regarding this type of diseases. It is proposed to differentiate between disease and illness, calling patient when treating the disease and sufferer when treating the illness. Hence, treating the suf ferer includes considering worries, fears, beliefs, expectations, emotions, and feelings, as well as repercussions of the disease on their life. To proof this statement, the concept of culture is described and conceptualized, as well as its function, and why it is of vital importance to intervene in the socio-cultural context of the sufferer. Keywords: Illness; chronic disease; sufferer; culture.