Is acculturation healthy? : biological, cultural, and environmental change among the Cofán of Ecuador

Resumen

Economic development of tropical rainforests affects the health of indigenous populations.Environmental and cultural change can deplete natural resources, undermine traditional subsistence, increase population densities, and disrupt social systems thereby modifying health and disease patterns of native populations.Although acculturation can bring increased opportunities for health education and access to western medicines, it can cause the estrangement of indigenous groups resulting in lifestyle deterioration and an overall reduction in health.