Anti-tuberculosis treatment defaulting: an analysis of perceptions and interactions in Chiapas, Mexico.

Objective: To analyze the perceptions and interactions of the actors involved in anti-tuberculosis treatment, and to explore their influence in treatment defaulting in Los Altos region of Chiapas, Mexico.

Material And Methods: From November 2002 to August 2003, in-depth interviews were administered to patients with PTB, patients' family members, institutional physicians, community health coordinators, and traditional medicine practitioners.

Results: We found different perceptions about PTB between patients and their families and among health personnel, as well as communication barriers between actors.

[The household economy: a determinant of maternal death among indigenous women in Chiapas, Mexico].

Objective: To assess the determining role of financial situation and gender relations on maternal mortality among Indigenous women in Chiapas, Mexico.

Methods: A quantitative/qualitative study was performed by means of a survey of 158 families, as well as in-depth interviews of persons linked to cases of maternal death, community leaders from throughout the region, and focal groups composed of traditional birth attendants.

Results: Decision-making surrounding women's health within the household is a critical problem because it is entirely in the hands of the husband and his relatives.