Barbara Frye

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the congruence between health beliefs and behavior as reported by 30 Cambodian (Khmer) refugee women in Southern California. Utilizing in-home interviewing in the Khmer language, data was gathered on 226 illness episodes occurring among 157 family members over an eight-month span. Informants reported a strong maternal role in health care decision making with all ages of children. Adult decision making demonstrated an individualistic pattern. Causes of illness were attributed primarily to humeral imbalances and illness avoidance behavior reflected these beliefs. Treatment was a blend of scientific and traditional medicine. Health care was accessed in settings of linguistic and cultural comfort regardless of distance. Disease prevention was linked to adequate food quantity. Chronic degenerative disease, stress, and reproductive complications were reported frequently. The adolescents and women appeared to be at high risk for cultural stress.

School

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Joyce Hopp

Second Advisor

Jerry W. Lee

Third Advisor

Eugene Anderson

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Year Degree Awarded

1989

Date (Title Page)

6-1989

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Refugees; Delivery of Health Care; Medicine, Oriental Traditional

Type

Thesis

Page Count

viii; 325

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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