'n Fisiologiese ondersoek van die invloed van kultuurverbondenheid op die hantering van akute stres by verstedelikte Tswana mans

Abstract

Urbanization is increasing worldwide, also in South Africa (Yach, 1990: 21) This can be a stressful experience accompanied by changes in lifestyle and health (Lore, 1993:357). Among traditional, rural communities the incidence of Western diseases seems to be a rarity (Seedat, 1990:s67), but is on the increase among urban populations (Idahoza, 1987:85; Seftel et al., 1980:313). Research indicates that although stress lowers resistance to illness, this can be counteracted by strong, positive interpersonal relationships, also called social support (Dressler, 1991:608). In order to understand the physiological changes brought about by the stress of acculturation, urban and rural (RT) Tswana males and urban white males (W) were studied. The urban Tswanas were divided in a group who regarded adherance to their traditional culture as very important (TT) and a group who lived a nontraditional lifestyle, disregarding their traditional values (NT). The groups were subjected to the cold pressor test (CPT - a passive coping stressor) and the Crawford Small Parts Dexterity Test (CSPDT - an active coping stressor) . Their bloodpressure was monitored continuously and bloodsamples were collected before and after exposure to the stressors. The results differed between rural Tswanas and urban Whites, but also between rural Tswanas and the two urban Tswana groups. During the cold pressor test the endocrine reactivity of both urban Tswana groups tended to approach that of the W group. The cortisol and prolactin results of the Tswanas were however lower and the testosterone levels higher (except for the NT group) than the W group. The cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) results during the CPT yielded similar results compared to studies of Somova (1992:214) in that the Tswana groups exhibited greater CVR than the W group . After the CSPDT the prolactin reactivity of the W group were

higher than that of the Tswana groups. The competition element in the Western culture could have played an important role among the W group to perform during this stressor. Before and after the Crawford SPDT the Tswana groups exhibited strong anticipatory stress. This is reflected in their high cortisol levels compared to the results of the White group. Regarding CVR, the W group reflected a higher CVR for all bloodpressure parameters (except heartrate) than the Tswana groups. These results are in accordance with results found in the literature (Anderson et al., 1988: 161) . During both stressors all the Tswana groups exhibited higher plasma renin activity than the White group. This phenomenon can have a possible influence on the tendency of urban blacks to develop hypertension (Seedat, 1990:s67). The conclusion is drawn that acculturation with the resulting change in lifestyle and experience of stress, can effect the endocrine and cardiovascular reactivity patterns of urban and rural groups.