Relationships between health and culture in Polynesia - a review.
This review of journal articles and book chapters discusses the health beliefs characteristic of Polynesia and reveals several themes. These are: commonality in health conceptualisations across the cultures of the region which differ from the conceptualisations of biomedicine; the role of the relational self, traditional living and communalism in understanding health; the place of spirituality and religion in health and illness causation; and pluralism and pragmatism in health-seeking behaviour. Suggestions are made as to how awareness of key ideas might contribute to effective planning of health promotion and intervention activities.
Capstick
Stuart
S
School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Norris
Pauline
P
Sopoaga
Faafetai
F
Tobata
Wale
W
D001294:Attitude to Health; D002835:Christianity; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011114:Polynesia; D018947:Samoa