Among traditional Southeast Asians, treatment is centered on a family approach that accounts for ancestors and descendants, rather than the individual. The importance of face-saving and limiting confrontation should be acknowledged. Organizing groups by gender and cultural subgroups may be helpful. Some may associate public health services with welfare and avoid them due to shame, or confuse them with poverty programs and not realize they can qualify even if they are employed. For Khmer, health is seen as being in equilibrium.
Health needs to be individually maintained but is influenced by family and community members.
Illness is seen as preventable. Nutrition is important to the Khmer, but not physical activity. The Khmer are often accustomed to screening, but modesty is an issue that needs to be taken into account. For Vietnamese, health is also based on a concept of harmony and balance. Personal hygiene and the consumption of lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat are viewed as promoting good health.