AN ETHNOPHARMOLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF PRESSURE, A CULTURALLY-SPECIFIC ETHNOMEDICAL ILLNESS

Kate V. Hebert

doi:10.7273/000006940

Ethnopharmacological relevance Pressure, a culturally-specific illness, has become an increasing concern for villagers who live on Dominica’s eastern coast. No prior specific studies on this illness have been performed. Thus, this study provides insight into an illness of local concern that may have relevance throughout the Caribbean. Additionally, this thesis includes an analysis of the traditional preparation of the second most salient treatment for pressure, papaya. This is one of few studies that specifically examines the traditional preparation of a plant medicine. Aim of Study This thesis examines Dominican notions of pressure, a cultural syndrome with correlations to anxiety and hypertension. I outline perceptions of pressure’s etiology, symptoms, and treatments, focusing on the stressors that rural Dominicans consider most pressing. Materials and Methods The data from this study was obtained via participant-observation, key consultant interviews, and freelisting interviews, all of which took place in a remote, Dominican village. Demographic data and freelist results were further examined with salience calculations and general linear modeling. Additionally, I prepared a Dominican papaya decoction using methodology as described by Bwa Mawegans and analyzed the resultant samples with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Results Pressure is a common, culturally-specific syndrome characterized by a headache, dizziness, giddiness, neck stiffness, and malaise. Its causes include anxiety, poor diet, fright, and high susceptibility and frequency of temper disruptions. Depending on its cause, the illness can build up over time or onset suddenly. Either way, locals believe that the illness relates to the thickening of blood. Treatments for pressure include local bush medicines, improving lifestyle, and improving dietary choices. The LC/MS results found methyl palmitate, stigmasterol, serine, valine, glycine, and tyrosine across papaya samples. The traditional papaya preparation contained the benefits of the seeds and endocarp, comprising a well-balanced medication. Conclusions Through examining pressure, an illness with corollaries to diet-related noncommunicable diseases and mental health, I was able to demonstrate the primary consequences of urbanization and modernization for a rural Dominican community. Currently, Bwa Mawegans are increasingly concerned with political corruption, climate change, domestic abuse, and poor social support. Further, this thesis demonstrated the importance of studying ethnomedicines within their cultural context by conducting mass spectrometry studies on the traditional preparations of plants.

AN ETHNOPHARMOLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF PRESSURE, A CULTURALLY-SPECIFIC ETHNOMEDICAL ILLNESS

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