Anthropology in Public Health

Translating public health knowledge and technical capacity into public health action across cultural and social boundaries is often a challenge for those who participate in public health. The 15 case studies of this book illustrate anthropological concepts and methods that can help us understand and resolve diverse public health problems around the world. One case study shows how differences in concepts and terminology among patients, clinicians, and epidemiologists in a southwestern U. S. county hinder the control of epidemics. Another case study examines reasons that Mexican farmers don't use protective equipment when spraying pesticides and suggests ways to increase use. Another examines the culture of international health agencies, demonstrates institutional values and practices that impede effective public health practice, and suggests issues that must be addressed to enhance institutional organization and process. Anthropology in Public Health provides practical models and anthropological tools to improve the effectiveness of public health efforts around the world.

1. How Anthropology Can Enhance Public Health Practice

PART I. INFECTIOUS DISEASE

2. Folk Fly and Viral Syndrome: An Anthroplological Perspective, Susan C. McCombie
3. The Role of Anthropological Methods in a Community-based Mosquito Net Intervention in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania, Peter J. Winch
4. Engaging Indigenous African Healers in the Prevention of AIDS and STDs, Edward C. Green
5. Anthropological Perspectives on Childhood Pneumonia in Pakistan, Dorothy S. Mull

PART II. CANCER

6. Ethnography and Breast Cancer Control Among Latino and Anglo Women in Southern California, Leao R. Chavez, F. Allan Hubbell, and Shiraz I. Mishra
7. A Policy Approach to Reducing Cancer Risk in Northwest Indian Tribes, Roberta L. Hall, Kerri Lopez, and Edward Lichtenstein

PART III. PHARMACY AND NUTRITION

8. The Rational Basis of "Irrational" Drug Use: Pharmaceuticals in the Context of Development, Nina L. Elkin, Paul J. Ross, and Ibrahim Muazzamu
9. Cultural Tailoring in Indonesia's National Nutrition Improvement Program, Marcia Griffiths and Michael Favin

PART IV. INJURY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

10. Road Warriors: Driving Behaviors on a Polynesian Island, Judith Barker
11. Balancing Risks and Resources: Applying Pesticides without Protective Equipment in Southern Mexico, Linda M. Hunt, Rolondo Tinoco Ojanguren, Norah Schwarts, and David Halperin

PART V. COMMUNITY HEALTH

12. Prospects for Family Planning in Cote d'Ivoire: Ethnographic Contributions to the Development of Culturally Appropriate Population Policy, Ruth P. Wilson, Carolyn F. Sargent, Shegou Darret, and Kouame Kale
13. Integrating Mental Health Care and Traditional Healing in Puerto Rico: Lessons from an Early Experiment, Joan D. Koss-Chioino
14. Project Community Diagnosis: Participatory Research as a First Step Toward Community Involvement in Primary Health Care, Mark Nichter

PART VI. HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

15. Neglect of Cultural Knowledge in Health Planning: Nepal's Assistant Nurse-Midwife Program, Judith Justice
16. Bureaucratic Aspects of International Health Programs, George M. Foster

Appendix
Glossary