Reflection on moral issues in the relation between indigenous people and health services

Medical systems are culturally adapted and may have negative impacts on those that do not share these bases. We discussed the indigenous perspective on moral issues in the relation with health services in the region of Alto Rio Negro/Amazonas/Brazil. It was a qualitative research that used participant observation and interviews in two communities in the region of Alto Rio Negro as techniques. The transfer to health services in urban areas was identified as the main moral issue for the Indians in the region. The diversity of traditions, cultures and values of the indigenous people influence their morality and clinical decisions to be made, what used to be little understood by health professionals. In the relationship between health professionals and indigenous users it was clear the shock between different habits and the configuration of a relation between moral strangers. These facts hinder the dialogue to solve conflicts.

Health of indigenous people; Ethics, clinical; Bioethics; Northwest Amazon