Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Public Health

Abstract

Traditional beliefs and practices related to health are prevalent in every society. Medical and clinical research are significant for understanding health and illness of a person. But at the same time, the socio-cultural factors which are shaped by the culture in which one lives play a crucial role in understanding health in a holistic manner. The risk of illness is increased by many social and cultural factors and it directly or indirectly influences the way a person defines and treats illness. Hence,
individual behaviour related to health is determined more or less by social and cultural differences among the individuals. The objective of this articleis to understand the socio-cultural aspects influencing health. It concludes how socio-cultural factors influencing the health seeking behaviour of the population play a vital role in public health...