The second section emphasizes the individual's views, perceptions and responses to the experience of health care problems. It also presents the opinion that the health care system has to take into consideration patients' and caregivers' personal experiences and perceptions in order to provide effective care. The third section focuses on issues of equity and access to health care and on the potential for restructuring of health policy. The authors believe that social sciences, especially sociology and anthropology as research disciplines, are equipped to deal with questions and issues that cannot be solved by biological and medical sciences alone. Fifty-four contributors from four continents address fundamental questions about the nature and determinants of health as well as about the value of health services.
Every article is well researched and is accompanied by an extensive list of references.
With the international and interdisciplinary focus, this is a truly groundbreaking work. It is highly recommended reading for social scientists, health practitioners, and scholars and students in health sciences and medicine. Inc. All rights reserved.