Relationships between health and culture in Polynesia - A review

Stuart Capstick, Pauline Norris, Faafetai Sopoaga and Wale Tobata

Social Science & Medicine, 2009, vol. 68, issue 7, 1341-1348

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Polynesia; Pacific; Health; beliefs; Culture; Oceania; Health; promotion; Review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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