Anthropology as an instrument to enhance comprehension of health practices in different contexts of human living

Abstract

The biomedical model traditionally treats people according to their diseases, taking into consideration a biological explanation of its causes and treatment mechanisms. In general, the significance that a certain disease has to the assisted patient is not well considered or comprehended by the health worker and this fact has brought up conflicts and difficulties to the professional-patient relationship. This article examines the theoretical production regarding the use of the conceptual support of Anthropology as an instrument to enhance comprehension of health practices in different contexts of human living. Theses, dissertations and books produced between 1990 and 2003 were assessed. Over the past ten years there has been a growing debate on the positive aspects of an anthropological point of view regarding health. This has resulted in several productions interested in expanding the theoretical comprehension of the complex process of illness and suffering. We conclude that establishing a dialog among the social actors involved in health practices legitimates the process of health promotion.