Sociology and anthropology

in Health and disease

By
Faisal Mehboob

Introduction
Sociology and anthropology provide the knowledge base for the sub
part of environment included as an essential element in the
understanding and practice of holistic medicine.

Culture
Culture is the outcome of man made part of our environment.
Culture is always a dynamic process, and therefore, continues to
evolve but never with same pace as scientific, economic or
technological progress.

Beliefs, values and Norms

Beliefs are tenets with a shared meaning in a culture that are held
to be true.

Values are those aspects of a culture that are held in high

regard, are desirable and therefore worthy of emulation.

Norms refer to principles of right and wrong action and the rules
and laws that govern the acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Social structure
All societies have ways of
placing people in social strata.
These can be based on wealth,
education or other criteria.

Roles
A set of expectations about how
people should behave in certain
circumstances.
Doctors role
Patients role
Role conflict

Imp points
The discipline that deals with death and dying is termed as Thanatology.

A mark of disgrace or having a shameful difference is term as stigma.

Sick role involves being excused from various obligations and duties, and not
being blamed for being ill, well after the initial illness has settled.

Risk factors for disease

Academic failure
Access to drugs and alcohol
Care of chronically ill patient
Chronic pain
Communication difficulties
Early pregnancy
Illiteracy
Low birth weight
Peer rejection
Urbanization

Protective factors for health

Individual factors (+ve thinking,
emotional stability, self esteem,
feeling of security, feeling of
control, adaptability)
Autonomy
Exercise
Empowerment
Good parenting
Stress management skills

For more notes.

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