Health definitions in literature vary perceptually. The dictionary definition emphasizes absence of disease; other definitions view health as an approach for preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health and efficiency through organized community efforts (Winslow, 1920), or as a successive re-definitions of the unacceptable (Vickers, 1985). The Institute of Medicine in its 1988 report puts health in social term by emphasizing interest in assuring a condition in which people can be healthy. One of the WHO's definitions emphasizes "…physical, mental and social well-being…" of social actors. These definitions-for most part-reflect western industrial nations' perceptions. Some medical anthropologists have also addressed health perceptions of indigenous people (Baer, 1997); yet, there are worldwide transitional societies-departed from indigenous lifestyles and in process of assimilation into urban societies-whose health perceptions have not been documented. Applying anthropological methodology and administering a questionnaire to several hundred students with nomadic and rural backgrounds (attending a boarding high school expressly operated for them) in Shiraz, this paper analyzes health perceptions of these students. The result is compared with the authors' findings of another urban-based high school students in the same city. The objectives are as follows: (1) Participants will learn first-hand information on health perceptions of in-transition population from a developing country where access to such information is minimal; (2) Participants will recognize the importance of locally defined health perceptions; and (3) Results can be utilized by stakeholders to develop and prioritize health policies to address health disparities among marginal populations and other citizens.
Learning Objectives: The objectives are as follows: (1) Participants will learn first-hand information on health perceptions of in-transition population from a developing country where access to such information is minimal; (2) Participants will recognize the importance of locally defined health perceptions; and (3) Results can be utilized by stakeholders to develop and prioritize health policies to address health disparities among marginal populations and other citizens
Keywords: Health,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.