(Israel) with particular reference to the social class variable is presented. Other variables such as ethnic group and place of residence are also considered. Relationships between hemoglobin level and social class were not consistent in different ethnic groups. In discussing the relevance of this finding and other related questions, the authors point out the different meaning that various sociocultural variables may have for epidemiological studies in different communities.
EVERY culture of the world possesses its own philosophy, concepts and practices in curative and preventive medicine, and the western-trained physician who would introduce his philosophy, concepts and practices must be aware of those already existing within the culture, must understand their function and dynamics within the society, and must model his programme accordingly. This paper is an attempt to discuss the philosophy, concepts and practices of curative and preventive medicine in the Middle East culture pattern. It is not intended to be a mere catalogue of isolated treatments, beliefs and customs, exhibiting little apparent relationship to each other and displaying questionable form or function. Such listings have been made in the past and, while perhaps interesting, possess limited value. Thus, although the literature on the Middle East abounds with references to the various medical practices of the people, little of the data have been systematised.and even less has been analysed. This paper will analyse the basic philosophy underlying the entire culture complex and it will delineate those concepts necessary to the execution of this philosophy. When this philosophy and these concepts have been structured, then the hitherto isolated practices will be seen as logical expressions of a patterned system. It is this system of philosophy and concepts which must be grasped, for only then do the various practices, the end expressions of the system, assume any coherence.
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