This study was designed to investigate the transforming impacts of transnational immigration of the Mixtec (an indigenous community from the Mexican State of Oaxaca) on their personal health belief systems. Specific interest was focused on beliefs in omens (presagios) and health beliefs as measured by the Locus of Illness Control (LIC) instrument. Two convenience samples, a Mexican Mixtec (or National) sample in Mexico and a Transnational sample residing in rural California, were interviewed and responded to the Locus of Illness Control instrument. Analyses of results, including statistical procedures, revealed significant differences between the two samples in relation to the number and type of omen beliefs, and especially in relation to the dimensions of externality and internality and prevention and cure as measured by the LIC. The phenomenon of migration was clearly the primary factor associated with the change in the belief systems. Migrants to California revealed a much more pronounced external control profile, suggesting that Transnational respondents see the power for control and prevention of illness as lying more outside themselves than do the National group. Implications of this finding for health professionals and others are discussed.

California Transformation and change Mixtec Health beliefs Mexico Immigration

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