Childhood Health and Illness: Cultural Beliefs and Practices among the Hmong in Victoria
Author(s):
Rice, Pranee Liamputtong
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Australian Journal Of Primary Health - Interchange, Volume 4, Issue 4 (1998). pp. 44-59.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Examines the cultural construction of childhood illness among Hmong refugees from Laos who are living in Australia, focusing on traditional patterns of beliefs & practices related to health & illness of newborn infants & young children. The Hmong treat childhood illness seriously & believe that there are several causes for it, including nature, souls, supernatural beings, & human aggression. The roles of traditional healers who play an important part in childhood health & illness are also discussed. Implications are drawn for child health services for immigrants such as the Hmong in Australia & elsewhere. An anthropological perspective on child health is particularly important in a multicultural society. A clear understanding by health professionals of cultural beliefs & expectations is essential for culturally appropriate & sensitive health care for immigrant children. 1 Table, 22 References. Adapted from the source document.