Culture, Health and Illness [Paperback]

Cecil G Helman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0750647868 | ISBN-13: 978-0750647861 | Publication Date: April 15, 2000 | Edition: 4

Culture, Health and Illness is an introduction to the role of cultural and social factors in health and disease, showing how an understanding of these factors can improve medical care and health education. The book demonstrates how different cultural, social or ethnic groups explain the causes of ill health, the types of treatment they believe in, and to whom they would turn if they were ill. It discusses the relationship of these beliefs and practices to the instance of certain diseases, both physical and psychological.
This new edition has been extended and modernized with new material added to every chapter. In addition, there is a new chapter on 'new research methods in medical anthropology', and the book in now illustrated where appropriate.
Anyone intending to follow a career in medicine, allied health, nursing or counseling will benefit from reading this book at an early stage in their career

Editorial Reviews

Review

"When with humility we are ready to use this excellent book, we will better apply our science toward improving the quality of life throughout the globe" - JAMA

"Comprehensive enough to be considered a survey of medical anthropology, this book is well written, well organized, and engaging to read. The author dots the text with stories of struggles with health and illness. These vignettes illustrate a broad cultural spectrum of experiences and beliefs. The newest edition is a welcome update to the field. Students and professionals in allied health fields as well as the behavioral health fields will benefit from and enjoy the material presented by the author." - Kelly Hubbell, Doody's Electronic Journal

About the Author

Cecil Helman, Associate Professor, Brunel University; Senior Lecturer, Dept of Primary Care and Population Sciences, University College London, UK In 2005 Cecil Helman was awarded the Lucy Mair Medal for Applied Anthropology, one of the highest achievements in British anthropology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Hodder Arnold Publishers; 4 edition (April 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750647868
• ISBN-13: 978-0750647861
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,629,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Putting health issues into perspective, March 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Culture, Health and Illness (Paperback)

I have repeatedly dipped into the book over the last few years as I am a health care worker with an interest in anthropology and health. The book reflects the key interest areas in the health care arena and uses anthropological interpretations to uncover new meaning and understanding. The topics covered include reproductive health, new technologies in health care, gender issues and places the interpretation of culture as the cornerstone to real understanding. I heartily recommend it to all my colleagues as well as my students.