Research

Name

Project Description/Title

File

Melissa Gradilla

Melissa's thesis dealth with the intersection and separation of the spheres of traditional birth attendants (comadronas) and physicans who practice biomedicine. In particular, she addresses the disagreements that arise between the two groups of caregivers and delineates their specific practices.

Comparing Childbirth Practices: Connections, Variations, and Conflicts in Traditional and Biomedical Obstetric Care in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala

Thesis Presentation

Cara McGuinness

Similar to Melissa Gradilla's project, Cara work centers on the role of the traditional birth attendant or comadrona in the birthing practices of the Tz'utujil Maya.

'Bridges‘: Improving Birth Outcomes and
Uniting traditional and biomedical
approaches to health in
Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala

Monica Denise Burnett

The thesis examines patient and providers’ beliefs and perceptions of healthcare access in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. Drawing from ethnographic field research, this thesis explores the links among local contextual factors of Santiago Atitlan, including the configuration of social and economic class, gender and ethnic relationships, the availability of resources and technology, and historical and cultural patterns and the short- and long-term effects of capitalist penetration of health care.

Patient and providers’ beliefs and perceptions of healthcare access in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala

David Springs

David conducted structured interviews with residents of Santiago Atitlan on the subject of decision making vis a vis stove type, specifically wood-burning stoves: the traditional open fire (comal), and an improved stove with a chimney (plancha). David and his colleagues also investigated the perception of gas stoves and loans. Their studies were conducted to gain insight into health impact of exposure to smoke from the combustion of biomass fuels (firewood, crop products, dung, etc.)

The Impact of the Political-Economy of Santiago Atítlan On Stove Type Choice

Jason M. Nagata

Coca-Colonization and Hybridization of Diets among the Tz’utujil Maya

Jason M. Nagata

Body mass index, socio-economic status and socio-behavioral practices among Tz’utujil Maya women

Jason M. Nagata

Criticisms of chlorination: social determinants of drinking water beliefs and practices among the Tz’utujil Maya

Anna Aagenes

Anna studied domestic violence experienced by Mayan women and the support systems that were in place to aid them with issues of violence in their homes. After conducting interviews with various health professionals regarding their experiences with victims of domestic violence, she discovered that there are various structural barriers to making change, such as institutionalized sexism and linguistic and ethnic divide, to name a few.

Maya Women and Domestic Violence in Guatemala: Searching for Support

Nancy Etzel

Microfinancing the reduction of indoor air pollution: an access initiative for improved cookstoves in Guatemala