Genomic investigation on genes related to mercury metabolism in Amazonian indigenous populations.

Studies have identified elevated levels of mercury in Amazonian Indigenous individuals, highlighting them as one of the most exposed to risks. In the unique context of the Brazilian Indigenous population, it is crucial to identify genetic variants with clinical significance to better understand vulnerability to mercury and its adverse effects. Currently, there is a lack of research on the broader genomic profile of Indigenous people, particularly those from the Amazon region, concerning mercury contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the genomic profile related to the processes of mercury absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in 64 Indigenous individuals from the Brazilian Amazon. We aimed to determine whether these individuals exhibit a higher susceptibility to mercury exposure. Our study identified three high-impact variants (GSTA1 rs1051775, GSTM1 rs1183423000, and rs1241704212), with the latter two showing a higher frequency in the study population compared to global populations. Additionally, we discovered seven new variants with modifier impact and a genomic profile different from the worldwide populations. These genetic variants may predispose the study population to more harmful mercury exposure compared to global populations. As the first study to analyze broader genomics of mercury metabolism pathways in Brazilian Amazonian Amerindians, we emphasize that our research aims to contribute to public policies by utilizing genomic investigation as a method to identify populations with a heightened susceptibility to mercury exposure.

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) in shellmounds and swiddens: ancient history in Babitonga Bay, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Babitonga Bay, southern Brazil, records of yam consumption exist among shellmound builders from at least 4000 years ago. Shellmounds (sambaquis) are anthropogenic structures in the form of mounds with layers of shells associated with other faunal remains, as well as with charcoal, artefacts and burial. Larger sambaquis are considered to be funerary monuments. The indigenous Jê and Guarani people also lived in the region before the European invasion and cultivated yams. Currently, exotic and domesticated yams are cultivated in the region by farmers. Our aim is to describe the long-term history between the people and Dioscorea in the Babitonga Bay region based on its consumption and occurrence in shellmounds and swiddens. METHODS: Surveys of Dioscorea spp. and host were carried out in the vegetation of shellmounds and in the surrounding area using visual detection through intensive searches in transects using the walking method. The survey of Dioscorea species used and cultivated in the precolonial, colonial and current periods was carried out based on the literature. In the present study, only Dioscorea trifida cultivations were recorded. RESULTS: Dioscorea cayennensis, Dioscorea chondrocarpa, Dioscorea dodecaneura, Dioscorea laxiflora, Dioscorea olfersiana, and Dioscorea scabra, all recorded in associated vegetation of shellmounds, in different combinations of the species. In swiddens, D. trifida is most common, followed by Dioscorea alata and, to a lesser extent, Dioscorea bulbifera and D. cayennensis. Records of food use prevail, but they are used as medicinal plants. Yams are integrated on anthropogenic soils of shellmounds and in swiddens in monoculture systems or in intercropping with Zea mays or Colocasia esculenta. The presence of exotic food trees and D. cayennensis in some shellmounds indicates the influence of colonizers on the composition of the vegetation. In sambaquis, there are overlapping processes of construction of cultural niches by different human groups at different times. CONCLUSIONS: The sambaquis and the associated vegetation and swiddens form part of a domesticated landscape. The native species of Dioscorea recorded in shellmounds and surrounding vegetation do not depend on human action to perpetuate themselves in the environment. However, this does not rule out human influence in the past, but it does not indicate horticulture among the Sambaquianos. Greater investment in genetic, archaeobotanical and ethnobotanical research can contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between people and yams over thousands of years.

Host genetics and the profile of COVID-19 in indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon: A pilot study with variants of the ACE1, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes.

This pilot study aimed to investigate genetic factors that may have contributed to the milder clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in Brazilian indigenous populations. 263 Indigenous from the Araweté, Kararaô, Parakanã, Xikrin do Bacajá, Kayapó and Munduruku peoples were analyzed, 55.2% women, ages ranging from 10 to 95 years (average 49.5 ± 20.7). Variants in genes involved in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell (ACE1 rs1799752 I/D, ACE2 rs2285666 C/T, ACE2 rs73635825 A/G and TMPRSS2 rs123297605 C/T), were genotyped in indigenous peoples from the Brazilian Amazon, treated during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic between 2020 and 2021. The distribution of genotypes did not show any association with the presence or absence of IgG antibodies. Additionally, the influence of genetic variations on the severity of the disease was not examined extensively because a significant number of indigenous individuals experienced the disease with either mild symptoms or no symptoms. It is worth noting that the frequencies of risk alleles were found to be lower in Indigenous populations compared to both continental populations and Brazilians. Indigenous Brazilian Amazon people exhibited an ethnic-specific genetic profile that may be associated with a milder disease, which could explain the unexpected response they demonstrated to COVID-19, being less impacted than Brazilians.

Cultural influences on exercise and fitness practices in indigenous communities of the amazon

Indigenous groups in the Amazon have long practiced physical activity and fitness, which is ingrained in their culture and reflects a harmonious coexistence with the natural world, traditional knowledge,and spiritual beliefs. The research study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in health treatments and examines the various factors that shape physical activity in these communities. Native American customs include a wide range of activitiesthat promote physical health and social cohesiveness, such as traditional hunting and fishing techniques and group dances rooted in spiritual expression. These activities' communal aspect strengthens social relationships and highlight a holistic approach to health that considers mental and spiritual aspects in addition to physical fitness. When outside influences infiltrate local communities, a careful balance must be established between protecting traditional history and adjusting to modern problems. Given this, interventions should be cooperative, respectful of, and integrated with Indigenous viewpoints to maintain relevance and sustainability. The research highlights the importance of general health methods that consider all the interrelated facets of wellbeing and recognize the distinct cultural settings in which Indigenous populations in the Amazon engage in physical activity (AU)

Ethnic differences in disability-free life expectancy and disabled life expectancy in older adults in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Although about 10% of the Latin American population is indigenous, ethnic differences in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and life expectancy with disability (DLE) are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To estimate disability-free life expectancy and disabled life expectancy among Mapuche (the largest indigenous group) and non-indigenous older adults aged 60 years or more in Chile. METHOD: Disability was measured following a methodology that combines limitations of daily living, cognitive impairment and dependence previously validated in Chile. Finally, the DFLE was estimated using Sullivan's method combining life tables by ethnicity and disability proportions from the EDES survey designed for the study of ethnic differentials in health and longevity in Chile. RESULTS: Non-Indigenous people have a higher total and Disability-free life expectancy compared to Mapuche people at all ages. While at age 60 a Mapuche expects to live 18.9 years, of which 9.4 are disability-free, a non-Indigenous expects to live 26.4 years, of which 14 are disability-free. In addition, although the length of life with disability increases with age for both populations, Mapuche who survive to age 80 or 90 expect to live 84% and 91% of their remaining life with disability, higher proportions compared to non-indigenous people (62.9% and 75%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study addressing inequities in DFLE between the Mapuche and non-Indigenous population, reflected in lower total life expectancy, lower DFLE and higher DLE in Mapuche compared to the non-Indigenous population. Our results underscore the need for increased capacity to monitor mortality risks among older people, considering ethnic differences.

Nursing care for the Warao people: an experience report based on transcultural theory.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the experience of nurses from the Street Clinic in caring for the Indigenous Venezuelan population of the Warao ethnic group in Maceió/AL based on Madeleine Leininger's Transcultural Theory. METODOLOGY: A descriptive study, of the experience report type, based on the care of the Warao Indigenous population in the light of Madeleine Leininger's Transcultural Theory, carried out during the year 2022. RESULTS: Light technologies were used to form bonds and understand the cultural universe of the Warao people. The concepts of preservation, accommodation and cultural restructuring of care from Leininger's transcultural theory helped to elucidate the practice. Comprehensive care was offered in accordance with the programs recommended by the Ministry of Health, with transcultural care, including respect for refusal of care. The language barrier and health beliefs represented challenges in the context of singular care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The experience of nurses from the Street Clinic in caring for the Indigenous population favored significant social interaction and expanded the possibilities for achieving comprehensive health care. The application of Transcultural Theory proved to be an effective and congruent device for health care.

Scabies in French Guiana: Quantitative and qualitative factors associated with therapeutic failure.

BACKGROUND: Strategies for the control of scabies should be adapted to local settings. Traditional communities in French Guiana have non-Western conceptions of disease and health. OBJECTIVES: The objectives for this study were to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices to identify potential factors associated with the failure of scabies treatment in these communities. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of scabies, seen at either the Cayenne Hospital or one of 13 health centres between 01 April 2021 and 31 August 2021, were included as participants, and were seen again after 6 weeks to check for persistence of lesions. Factors associated with treatment failure were looked for both at inclusion and at 6 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diversified subsample of participants. RESULTS: In total, 164 participants were included in the quantitative component, and 21 were interviewed for the qualitative component. Declaring that the second treatment dose had been taken was associated with therapeutic success. Western treatments were not always affordable. Better adherence was observed with topical treatments than with oral ivermectin, whereas permethrin monotherapy was associated with failure. Scabies-associated stigma was high among Amerindians and Haitians but absent in Ndjuka Maroons. Participants reported environmental disinfection as being very complex. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of scabies in traditional Guianan communities may vary depending on local perceptions of galenic formulations, disease-associated stigma and differences in access to health care. These factors should be taken into account when devising strategies for the control of scabies aimed at traditional communities living in remote areas, and migrant populations.

New Y-SNPs in QM3 indigenous populations of Colombia.

In evolutionary studies of human populations based on the Y chromosome, the majority of Native Americans belong to the QM3 lineage. Therefore, to study the history of groups inhabiting northern South America, it is necessary to have a higher resolution of the tree. The objective of this work was to identify new SNPs of the QM3 lineage that would allow the evaluation of the phylogenetic relationships between Andean and Amazonian populations of Colombia. Sequences previously obtained from two Y chromosomes of Amazonian populations were used, from which 13 potential SNPs were selected and typed in 171 Amazonian samples from the Vaupés region and in 60 samples from the Pasto, Nasa, Embera, Arhuaco and Kogüi ethnic groups of the Andean region. In addition, the main SNPs/markers (L56, L54, M346, M848, Z780, CTS11780) defining autochthonous Q lineages were typed, along with others defined by different SNPs/markers as reported in the literature (CTS11357, SA05, Z19319, Z5915, and Z19384). It was found that all the new SNPs are present in the Amazonian samples and only 2 of them are shared with the Embera, Nasa and Pasto, but none with the Kogüi and Arhuaco from the northern Andes, in the Colombian Caribbean. Combining the 13 variants of the present study with 14 previously reported and using TMRCA, a new QM3 tree proposal is generated. This method makes it possible to increase the number of sublineages of QM3 with a higher resolution and to detect differences between the different populations of Vaupés in the Amazon, as in the case of the Kubeos and Pisamiras, the latter of which is in grave danger of extinction. These new sublineages are useful for microevolutionary studies of the Amerindian populations of South America.

High Mitochondrial Haplotype Diversity Found in Three Pre-Hispanic Groups from Colombia.

The analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypervariable region (HVR) sequence data from ancient human remains provides valuable insights into the genetic structure and population dynamics of ancient populations. mtDNA is particularly useful in studying ancient populations, because it is maternally inherited and has a higher mutation rate compared to nuclear DNA. To determine the genetic structure of three Colombian pre-Hispanic populations and compare them with current populations, we determined the haplotypes from human bone remains by sequencing several mitochondrial DNA segments. A wide variety of mitochondrial polymorphisms were obtained from 33 samples. Our results support a high population heterogeneity among pre-Hispanic populations in Colombia.

Anthropometric Similarities and Differences in Children of Aymara and Non-Aymara Descent in Northern Chile: Implications for Health and Development / Similitudes y Diferencias Antropométricas en Niños de Etnia Aymara y Ascendencia No-Aymara en el Norte de Chile: Implicaciones para la Salud y el Desarrollo

SUMMARY: This study aims to assess the nutritional status of Aymara and non-Aymara children in Arica, comparing anthropometric measurements of boys and girls aged 4-10 to inform interventions for child health and development. We conducted a non-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional study in Arica, Chile. The sample included 458 children, with equal representation of Aymara and non-Aymara children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Trained research assistants collected anthropometric data using standardized techniques. IBM SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis, including Student's t-test and the Levene test. Both Aymara and non-Aymara children showed high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Boys had a meso-endomorph somatotype, while girls had an endomorph somatotype. Among 8-year-olds, non-Aymara children had a slightly higher mean body weight (35.87, SD 4.50) compared to Aymara children (32.27, SD 4.31), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, 10-year-old Aymara girls had a significantly higher mean body mass index (22.34, SD 4.21) than non-Aymara girls (20.10, SD 3.58) (p=0.05). Regarding body fat percentage, 10-year- old non-Aymara girls had a slightly higher mean (31.01, SD 5.64) than Aymara girls (26.12, SD 5.63), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The study found high levels of overweight and obesity in children from northern Chile, increasing with age for both Aymara and non-Aymara groups. The somatotype patterns were consistent across both groups. Although the differences between Aymara and non-Aymara children were not statistically significant, the Aymara group showed slightly higher levels of overweight and obesity. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results and identify potential trends. Efforts should focus on promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity to address the growing problem of overweight and obesity in this region.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el estado nutricional de los niños Aymaras y no Aymaras en Arica, comparando las medidas antropométricas de niños y niñas de 4 a 10 años para informar las intervenciones para la salud y el desarrollo infantil. Realizamos un estudio no experimental, cuantitativo, de corte transversal en Arica, Chile. La muestra incluyó a 458 niños, con igual representación de niños Aymaras y no Aymaras de diversos estratos socioeconómicos. Asistentes de investigación capacitados recolectaron datos antropométricos utilizando técnicas estandarizadas. Se utilizó el software estadístico IBM SPSS para el análisis de datos, incluyendo la prueba t de Student y la prueba de Levene. Tanto los niños Aymaras como los no Aymaras presentaron una alta prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Los niños tenían un somatotipo meso-endomorfo, mientras que las niñas tenían un somatotipo endomorfo. Entre los niños de 8 años, los niños no Aymaras tenían un peso corporal medio ligeramente superior (35,87, DE 4,50) en comparación con los niños Aymaras (32,27, DE 4,31), pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05). Sin embargo, las niñas Aymaras de 10 años tenían un índice de masa corporal medio significativamente mayor (22,34, SD 4,21) que las niñas no Aymaras (20,10, SD 3,58) (p=0,05). En cuanto al porcentaje de grasa corporal, las niñas no Aymaras de 10 años tuvieron una media ligeramente superior (31,01, DE 5,64) que las niñas Aymaras (26,12, DE 5,63), pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05). El estudio encontró altos niveles de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños del norte de Chile, aumentando con la edad tanto para los grupos Aymaras como para los no Aymaras. Los patrones de somatotipo fueron consistentes en ambos grupos. Aunque las diferencias entre los niños Aymaras y no Aymaras no fueron estadísticamente significativas, el grupo Aymara mostró niveles ligeramente más altos de sobrepeso y obesidad. Se necesita más investigación con un tamaño de muestra más grande para confirmar estos resultados e identificar tendencias potenciales. Los esfuerzos deben centrarse en promover una nutrición saludable y la actividad física para abordar el creciente problema del sobrepeso y la obesidad en esta región.

The Commoditization of Ecosystems within Chile's Mapuche Territory: A Violation of the Human Right to Health.

The Araucanía region of Chile is characterized by a significant rural Indigenous population-the Mapuche people-who preserve their cultural beliefs about the world around them. This region is also distinguished by the conflict between the Mapuche people and the Chilean government. The Chilean state has supported the development of extractive projects such as industrial plantations, hydroelectric plants, and aquaculture, using nature to generate profits. This has collided with the Mapuche's inextricable relationship with nature and territory, which they value as a spiritual and historical space. Our qualitative study, conducted between 2016 and 2019 in three Araucanía territories with large Mapuche populations, sought to explore Mapuche perceptions of nature, their right to health, Indigenous rights generally, and Indigenous communities' relationship with the state. The results show an overall perception among Mapuche communities of an extractive mentality at the heart of the Chilean state, regardless of the administration in power, as well as a belief that the industrial occupation of their territories represents a process of colonialism and the transgression of ancestral rights. This extractivist approach by the state has caused Mapuche communities to witness enormous changes to their ecosystem, with negative impacts on their well-being.

[Problem-solving in the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem (SASI-SUS): analysis in a reference service in Amazonas, Brazil]. / Resolutividade no Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena (SASI-SUS): análise em um serviço de referência no Amazonas, Brasil.

Problem-solving is one of the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil, with its ability to solve the health problems of the population at different levels of complexity. The Indigenous Health Care Subsystem (SASI-SUS) is part of this service, respecting the specificities of indigenous populations. The scope of this article is to analyze the perception of professionals and managers of an Indigenous Health Center (CASAI) regarding its ability to cope with the circumstances of the pandemic. It involved qualitative and descriptive research under the National Health Care Policy for Indigenous Peoples (PNASPI) and Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutic theory. Interviews were conducted with participants in order to record the experiences in the work process of the actors who assist the indigenous people housed at CASAI. Four essential themes were identified in the interviews: cultural care; permanent education in health & health education; negotiation & improvisation; and reception & infrastructure. CASAI is an institution that is more than a support center or accommodation, being a crossover point between the different levels of care and knowledge production of the indigenous people, as well as a place for establishing a relationship, resulting in a problem-solving space.

A resolutividade é um dos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Brasil, com sua capacidade de resolver os problemas da população nos diferentes níveis de complexidade da saúde. O Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena (SASI-SUS) integra este sistema, respeitando as especificidades das populações indígenas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a percepção dos profissionais e gestores de uma Casa de Saúde Indígena (CASAI) a respeito da resolutividade no subsistema quanto às circunstâncias da pandemia. Pesquisa qualitativa, de caráter descritivo, à luz da Política Nacional de Atenção à Saúde dos Povos Indígenas (PNASPI) e da teoria hermenêutica de Paul Ricoeur. Foram realizadas entrevistas entre os participantes a fim de registrar as experiências no processo de trabalho dos atores que cuidam dos indígenas referenciados à Manaus, Amazonas. Foram identificadas, pelas entrevistas, quatro temáticas essenciais: cuidado cultural; educação permanente em saúde & educação em saúde; negociação & improviso e; acolhimento & infraestrutura. A CASAI é uma instituição que vai além de um centro de apoio ou alojamento, sendo ponto de articulação entre os diferentes níveis de atenção aos indígenas e local de produção de cuidados e de saberes, tal como da construção de suas relações, resultando em um espaço resolutivo.

Genetic determinants and absence of breast cancer in Xavante Indians in Sangradouro Reserve, Brazil.

Genetic compositions of distinct human populations are different. How genomic variants influence many common and rare genetic diseases is always of great medical and anthropological interest, and understanding of genetic architectures of population groups in relation to diseases can advance our knowledge of medicine. Here, we have studied the genomic architecture of a group of Xavante Indians, an indigenous population in Brazil, and compared them with normal populations from the 1000 Genomes Projects. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that the Xavante Indians are genetically distinctive when compared to other ethnic groups. No incidence of breast cancer cases has ever been reported in the population, and polygenic risk analysis indicates extremely low breast cancer risk in this population when compared with germline TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) breast cancer normal control samples. Low germinal mutation burden among this population is also observed. Our findings will help to deepen the understanding of breast cancer and might also provide new approaches to study the disease.

Resolutividade no Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena no Brasil: revisão de escopo / Resolubility in the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem in Brazil: scope review / Resolución en el Subsistema de Atención de la Salud Indígena en Brasil: revisión del alcance

RESUMO: A resolutividade relaciona-se à capacidade de solução dos problemas de saúde nos serviços. Em 1999, o Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena foi integrado ao Sistema Único de Saúde no Brasil, passando a seguir os seus princípios e diretrizes. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar e mapear os desafios ou problemas relacionados às práticas em saúde para a resolutividade no Subsistema de Saúde Indígena após a integração. Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo que utilizou seis bases de dados nacionais e internacionais. Os estudos elegíveis tiveram como critério base o mnemônico PCC (P: população indígena; C: desafios ou problemas para a resolutividade; C: subsistema de saúde indígena brasileiro). Foram encontrados 1.748 estudos e selecionados 33, com predomínio de estudos qualitativos. Os desafios ou problemas sensíveis para o processo da resolutividade foram encontrados nos aspectos que tangem à educação em saúde, à interculturalidade, ao acesso universal e aos recursos em gestão. O saber tradicional é pouco valorizado pelo sistema de saúde. A deficiência de recursos humanos e materiais, a falta de efetiva educação permanente e de capacitações para trabalhar no contexto intercultural produzem barreiras de acesso e comprometem a resolutividade nos serviços, aumentando assim as iniquidades em saúde.

ABSTRACT: Resolubility relates to the ability to solve health problems in services. In 1999, the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem was integrated into the Brazilian Unified Health System, following its principles and guidelines. The objective of this study was to identify and map the challenges or problems related to health practices for solving in the Indigenous Health Subsystem after integration. This is a scope review that used six national and international databases. Eligible studies were based on mnemonic PCC (P: indigenous population; C: challenges or problems for resolution; C: Brazilian indigenous health subsystem). A total of 1,748 studies were found and 33 were selected, with predominance of qualitative studies. The challenges or problems that are sensitive to the resolution process were found in the aspects that are related to health education, interculturality, universal access and management resources. Traditional knowledge is underrated by the health system. The deficiency of human and material resources, the lack of effective permanent education and capacitations to work in the intercultural context, produce barriers to access and compromise the resolubility in services, thus increasing the inequities in health.

RESUMEN: La resolución se refiere a la capacidad de resolver problemas de salud en los servicios. En 1999, el Subsistema de Atención de Salud Indígena se integró en el Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil, siguiendo sus principios y directrices. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y mapear los desafíos o problemas relacionados con las prácticas de salud para resolver en el Subsistema de Salud Indígena después de la integración. Esta es una revisión de alcance que utilizó seis bases de datos nacionales e internacionales. Los estudios elegibles se basaron en PCC mnemónicos (P: población indígena; C: desafíos o problemas para la resolución; C: subsistema de salud indígena brasileño). Se encontraron 1.748 estudios y se seleccionaron 33, con predominio de estudios cualitativos. Los desafíos o problemas que son sensibles al proceso de resolución se encontraron en los aspectos que están relacionados con la educación en salud, la interculturalidad, el acceso universal y los recursos de gestión. El conocimiento tradicional es subestimado por el sistema de salud. La deficiencia de recursos humanos y materiales, la falta de educación permanente efectiva y de capacitaciones para trabajar en el contexto intercultural, producen barreras para acceder y comprometer la solubilidad en los servicios, aumentando así las desigualdades en salud.

La evaluación del involucramiento cultural en personas indígenas: escala para un pueblo andino / The evaluation of cultural involvement in indigenous people: scale for an Andean people

Objetivo: diseñar y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de una escala para medir el involucramiento cultural en un pueblo andino. Metodología: investigación psicométrica. Fueron desarrolladas las fases de: a) revisión teórica; b) abordaje cualitativo, entrevistas semiestructuradas a 16 Lickanantay; c) diseño de la escala preliminar; d) evaluación cognitiva (5 Lickanantay); e) evaluación psicométrica con 200 Lickanantay, siendo 124 mujeres (62%) y 76 hombres (38%). Resultados principales: la escala quedó constituida por 10 ítems que identifican el involucramiento cultural a partir de la participación en actividades tradicionales Lickanantay como festividades y ceremonias. El análisis factorial entregó una solución unifactorial con un α de Cronbach de 0.924 y los índices de bondad de ajuste dan cuenta de un ajuste excelente del modelo. Conclusión principal: La escala permitirá evaluar el efecto y relación del involucramiento cultural en la salud y el bienestar de personas y comunidades del pueblo andino Lickanantay.(AU)

Objective: to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale to measure cultural involvement in an Andean town. Methodology: psychometric research. The following phases were developed: a) theoretical review; b) qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews with 16 Lickanantay; c) preliminary scale design; d) cognitive evaluation (5 Lickanantay); e) psychometric evaluation with 200 Lickanantay, being 124 women (62%) and 76 men (38%). Main results: the scale was made up of 10 items that identify cultural involvement from participation in traditional Lickanantay activities such as festivities and ceremonies. The factorial analysis provided a unifactorial solution with a Cronbach's α of 0.924 and the goodness of fit indices show an excellent fit of the model. Main conclusion: The scale will allow evaluating the effect and/or relationship of cultural involvement in the health and/or well-being of people and/or communities of the Lickanantay Andean people.(AU)