Anthropology, Physical
Anthropology, Medical
Anthropology, Cultural
Forensic Anthropology
Sex Determination by Skeleton
Cultural Evolution
Physiology
Interdisciplinary Studies
Neurosciences
Sociology
Technology
Social Marginalization
Culture
Research
Explicit guidelines for qualitative research: a step in the right direction, a defence of the 'soft' option, or a form of sociological imperialism? (1/338)
Within the context of health service research, qualitative research has sometimes been seen as a 'soft' approach, lacking scientific rigour. In order to promote the legitimacy of using qualitative methodology in this field, numerous social scientists have produced checklists, guidelines or manuals for researchers to follow when conducting and writing up qualitative work. However, those working in the health service should be aware that social scientists are not all in agreement about the way in which qualitative work should be conducted, and they should not be discouraged from conducting qualitative research simply because they do not possess certain technical skills or extensive training in sociology, anthropology or psychology. The proliferation of guidelines and checklists may be off-putting to people who want to undertake this sort of research, and they may also make it even more difficult for researchers to publish work in medical journals. Consequently, the very people who may be in a position to change medical practice may never read the results of important qualitative research. (+info)Computer analysis of qualitative data: the use of ethnograph. (2/338)
Ethnograph, a code and retrieve software program for computer analysis of qualitative data, was utilized to assist in analyzing the content of in-depth interviews and focus group data. This program requires basic computer hardware and is fairly easy to use. The main advantage of the program is easy access to data dealing with a particular issue and easy retrieval of text for analysis and illustration. However, to get the maximum benefit from this program, documents need to be structured In the format suitable for the software. Among the difficulties encountered were the absence of on-line documents dummy coding, lack of options in printing facility and the tendency for the program to hang whenever there was a printing error. (+info)Rapid ethnographic assessment of breastfeeding practices in periurban Mexico City. (3/338)
Before carrying out a breastfeeding promotion programme in a periurban area of Mexico City, we conducted a rapid ethnographic study to determine the factors associated with absence of exclusive breastfeeding. The responses to pilot interviews were used to develop a standardized questionnaire regarding reasons for infant feeding choice, sources of advice, and barriers to breastfeeding. We interviewed a random sample of 150 mothers with a child < 5 years of age; 136 (91%) of them had initiated breastfeeding; but only 2% exclusively breastfed up to 4 months. The mothers consistently stated that the child's nutrition, health, growth, and hygiene were the main reasons for the type of feeding selected; cost, comfort, and the husband's opinion were less important. Physicians were ranked as the most important source of advice. Reduction or cessation of breastfeeding occurred on the doctor's advice (68%); or when the mothers encountered local folk illnesses such as "coraje" (52%) or "susto" (54%), which are associated with anger or fright; or had "not enough milk" (62%) or "bad milk" (56%); or because of illness of the mother (56%) or child (43%). During childhood illnesses and conditions, breastfeeding was reduced and the use of supplementary foods was increased. This study emphasizes the importance of cultural values in infant feeding choices, defines specific barriers to breastfeeding, and provides a basis for interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the study population. (+info)Fish and mammals in the economy of an ancient Peruvian kingdom. (4/338)
Fish and mammal bones from the coastal site of Cerro Azul, Peru shed light on economic specialization just before the Inca conquest of A. D. 1470. The site devoted itself to procuring anchovies and sardines in quantity for shipment to agricultural communities. These small fish were dried, stored, and eventually transported inland via caravans of pack llamas. Cerro Azul itself did not raise llamas but obtained charqui (or dried meat) as well as occasional whole adult animals from the caravans. Guinea pigs were locally raised. Some 20 species of larger fish were caught by using nets; the more prestigious varieties of these show up mainly in residential compounds occupied by elite families. (+info)Building momentum: an ethnographic study of inner-city redevelopment. (5/338)
OBJECTIVES: One factor contributing to the decay of inner-city areas, and to consequent excess mortality, is the massive loss of housing. This report studied the effects of a redevelopment project on social functioning in an inner-city community. METHODS: This ethnographic study included the following elements: a longitudinal study of 10 families living in renovated housing, repeated observations and photographing of the street scene, focus groups, and informal interviews with area residents. The project was located in the Bradhurst section of Harlem in New York City and was focused on a redevelopment effort sponsored by local congregations. RESULTS: Those who were able to move into newly renovated housing found that their living conditions were greatly improved. Neighborhood revitalization lagged behind the rehabilitation of individual apartment houses. This uneven redevelopment was a visual and sensory reminder of "what had been." Residents missed the warmth and social support that existed in Harlem before its decline. CONCLUSIONS: Rebuilding damaged housing contributes greatly to the well-being of inner-city residents. The current pace and scope of rebuilding are insufficient to restore lost vitality. (+info)Natural experimental models: the global search for biomedical paradigms among traditional, modernizing, and modern populations. (6/338)
During the past four decades, biomedical scientists have slowly begun to recognize the unique opportunities for studying biomedical processes, disease etiology, and mechanisms of pathogenesis in populations with unusual genetic structures, physiological characteristics, focal endemic disease, or special circumstances. Such populations greatly extend our research capabilities and provide a natural laboratory for studying relationships among biobehavioral, genetic, and ecological processes that are involved in the development of disease. The models presented illustrate three different types of natural experiments: those occurring in traditionally living, modernizing, and modern populations. The examples are drawn from current research that involves population mechanisms of adaptation among East African Turkana pastoralists; a search for etiology and mechanisms of pathogenesis of an emerging disease among the Yakut people of Siberia; and psychosocial stress, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in women working outside the home in New York City and among subpopulations in Hawaii. The models in general, and the examples in specific, represent natural laboratories in which relatively small intrapopulation differences and large interpopulation differences can be used to evaluate health and disease outcomes. (+info)Household poisoning exposure among children of Mexican-born mothers: an ethnographic study. (7/338)
OBJECTIVE: To explore reasons for high rates of unintentional poisoning among Latino children under 5 years old. DESIGN: Ethnographic interviews were carried out using a sample of mothers identified via door-to-door canvassing in an area with documented high injury rates among Latino children. Interviews included many open-ended and follow-up questions to elicit a detailed family history and emphasized observation of conditions and behaviors in the homes. SETTING: Low-income neighborhoods of Southern California. SUBJECTS: Fifty mothers born in Mexico with children under 5 years old. RESULTS: Children were exposed to potential poisoning agents in more than 80% of homes. Contributory factors related to culture included favorable attitudes toward iron as a healthful substance; extensive use of products that lack child-resistant packaging, such as rubbing alcohol and medicines from Mexico; high prevalence of shared housing; limited familiarity with toxic household chemicals not widely used in Mexico; and inability to read warning labels in English. CONCLUSION: Current Poison Control Center outreach efforts should be expanded. Clinicians are uniquely positioned to advise parents about the safe use and storage of toxic substances, including widely used products lacking child-resistant packaging. Medicines should be labeled in Spanish for those who do not know English. (+info)Ethnographic interviews to elicit patients' reactions to an intelligent interactive telephone health behavior advisor system. (8/338)
Information technology is being used to collect data directly from patients and to provide educational information to them. Concern over patient reactions to this use of information technology is especially important in light of the debate over whether computers dehumanize patients. This study reports reactions that patient users expressed in ethnographic interviews about using a computer-based telecommunications system. The interviews were conducted as part of a larger evaluation of Telephone-Linked Care (TLC)-HealthCall, an intelligent interactive telephone advisor, that advised individuals about how to improve their health through changes in diet or exercise. Interview findings suggest that people formed personal relationships with the TLC system. These relationships ranged from feeling guilty about their diet or exercise behavior to feeling love for the voice. The findings raise system design and user interface issues as well as research and ethical questions. (+info)Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. It includes the study of language, culture, biology, and archaeology. In a medical context, anthropologists may study how cultural factors influence health and illness, health care practices and beliefs, and the impact of medical systems on individuals and communities. This field is known as medical anthropology.
Physical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of human biological variation and evolution, both in the past and in the present. It draws upon various scientific disciplines such as genetics, anatomy, physiology, and paleontology to understand the biological origins and development of our species, Homo sapiens.
Physical anthropologists study a wide range of topics, including human and primate evolution, population genetics, skeletal biology, forensic anthropology, and bioarchaeology. They often work with fossil remains, archaeological sites, and living populations to investigate questions related to human adaptation, health, migration, and diversity.
By examining the biological aspects of human existence, physical anthropologists aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to be human, both in terms of our shared characteristics as a species and the unique variations that make each individual and population distinct.
Medical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of human health and disease in cultural and social contexts. It combines approaches and insights from sociocultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics to understand the complex interplay between biology, culture, and society in shaping health outcomes and experiences.
Medical anthropologists study a wide range of topics related to health, illness, and healing, including:
1. The cultural construction of illness and disease categories: Medical anthropologists examine how different societies define and understand health and illness, and how these definitions shape help-seeking behaviors and treatment choices.
2. Health disparities and social determinants of health: Medical anthropologists investigate the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to health inequities and influence access to healthcare resources.
3. The cultural context of medical practices and institutions: Medical anthropologists study the ways in which medical systems and practices are shaped by cultural values, beliefs, and power relations, and how they impact patient experiences and outcomes.
4. Global health and transnational processes: Medical anthropologists explore the impacts of globalization, migration, and transcultural exchange on health and healthcare, including the spread of diseases, the diffusion of medical knowledge and technologies, and the emergence of new forms of health activism and advocacy.
5. The biological basis of health and disease: Medical anthropologists draw on insights from evolutionary biology, genetics, and neuroscience to understand the complex interplay between genetic factors, environmental influences, and social determinants in shaping health outcomes.
Medical anthropology has important implications for public health policy, clinical practice, and global health initiatives, as it highlights the need to consider cultural and social factors in designing effective interventions and promoting equitable access to healthcare.
Cultural anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of human culture, society, and behavior. It seeks to understand the ways in which different cultural groups organize and structure their social lives, as well as the meanings and symbols that shape their beliefs, practices, and institutions. Cultural anthropologists conduct ethnographic research, which involves immersing themselves in a particular cultural setting and observing and participating in the daily lives of its members. They generate detailed descriptions and analyses of cultural phenomena, with the aim of providing insights into both the specificity of individual cultures and the broader patterns of human social and cultural life. Cultural anthropology has important applications in fields such as international development, public health, education, and business, where an understanding of cultural differences is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Forensic anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that applies scientific techniques and methods to analyze human remains for the purpose of establishing identity, determining the cause and manner of death, and investigating incidents of crime, mass disasters, or human rights violations. Forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of osteology, skeletal biology, and archaeological techniques to examine bones, teeth, and other tissues to help law enforcement agencies and legal professionals in criminal and civil investigations. They may also provide expert testimony in court based on their findings.
"Sex determination by skeleton," also known as "osteological sex estimation," is the process of determining the biological sex of an individual based on the analysis of their skeletal remains. This can be particularly useful in forensic anthropology and archaeology, where the identification of an individual's sex can provide important information about their identity and help to establish the demographic profile of a population.
The determination of sex from the skeleton is typically based on several characteristics that differ between males and females due to sexual dimorphism, or differences in size and shape that result from genetic and hormonal factors. These characteristics can include:
1. Pelvic bones: The female pelvis is generally wider and more shallow than the male pelvis, with a broader and more rounded pubic arch and a larger sciatic notch.
2. Skull: The male skull tends to be larger and heavier, with a prominent brow ridge, larger mastoid processes, and a squared-off jawline.
3. Long bones: Male long bones are generally longer and heavier than female long bones, with larger diameters and more robust shafts.
4. Other features: Differences in the size and shape of other skeletal elements, such as the clavicle, ribs, and vertebrae, can also provide clues to an individual's sex.
It is important to note that while osteological sex estimation can provide a reliable indication of an individual's biological sex in most cases, it is not always 100% accurate. Factors such as age, ancestry, and health status can affect the expression of sexual dimorphism in the skeleton, making it difficult to determine sex with certainty in some cases.
Forensic dentistry, also known as forensic odontology, is a specialty in forensic science that involves the examination, identification, and evaluation of dental evidence for legal purposes. It encompasses various aspects such as:
1. Identification of deceased individuals through dental records comparison (e.g., during mass disasters or unidentified human remains).
2. Analysis of bite marks found on victims or objects related to criminal investigations.
3. Assessment of age, sex, ancestry, and other personal characteristics based on dental features.
4. Examination of cases of abuse, neglect, or malpractice in dentistry.
5. Evaluation of occupational dental injuries and diseases.
Forensic dentists often work closely with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and other legal professionals to provide expert testimony in court proceedings.
Cultural evolution is a term used to describe the process of change and development in human culture over time. It refers to the way in which cultural traits, practices, beliefs, and technologies spread, change, and evolve within and between populations. Cultural evolution is influenced by various factors such as demographic changes, migration, innovation, selection, and diffusion.
The study of cultural evolution draws on insights from anthropology, sociology, psychology, archaeology, linguistics, and other disciplines to understand the patterns and dynamics of cultural change. It emphasizes the importance of understanding culture as a complex adaptive system that evolves through processes of variation, selection, and transmission.
Cultural evolution is often studied using comparative methods, which involve comparing similarities and differences in cultural traits across different populations or time periods. This allows researchers to identify patterns of cultural change and infer the underlying mechanisms that drive them. Some researchers also use mathematical models and computational simulations to study cultural evolution, allowing them to explore the dynamics of cultural change in a more controlled and systematic way.
Overall, the study of cultural evolution seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how human cultures have evolved over time, and how they continue to adapt and change in response to changing social, environmental, and technological conditions.
Physiology is the scientific study of the normal functions and mechanisms of living organisms, including all of their biological systems, organs, cells, and biomolecules. It focuses on how various bodily functions are regulated, coordinated, and integrated to maintain a healthy state in an organism. This field encompasses a wide range of areas such as cellular physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, renal physiology, endocrine physiology, reproductive physiology, and exercise physiology, among others. Physiologists use a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches to understand the principles underlying normal biological function and to investigate how these functions are altered in various disease states.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Interdisciplinary Studies" is not a medical term. It is a term used in education and research to describe the approach that involves two or more academic disciplines in order to broaden understanding, improve problem-solving, and enhance innovation. This approach is used in various fields including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering.
In a medical context, interdisciplinary studies might refer to a collaborative approach to patient care that involves healthcare professionals from different disciplines (such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, etc.) working together to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for patients with complex medical conditions. This type of collaboration can lead to improved patient outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Neurosciences is a multidisciplinary field of study that focuses on the structure, function, development, and disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It incorporates various scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science to understand the complexities of the nervous system at different levels, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to systems and behavior.
The field encompasses both basic research and clinical applications, with the aim of advancing our knowledge of the nervous system and developing effective treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Specialties within neurosciences include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, neurobiology, neuroimmunology, behavioral neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, and computational neuroscience, among others.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "sociology" is not a term that has a medical definition. Sociology is a social science that focuses on the study of human behavior and interactions in society, including the development, structure, and functioning of human societies. It is distinct from medical disciplines which focus on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "technology" is a broad term that refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. It's not something that typically has a medical definition, as it's not a medical term or concept. However, in the context of healthcare, "health technology" is a term used to refer to the application of technology in healthcare, such as medical devices, electronic health records, telemedicine platforms, and other tools that are used to prevent, diagnose, or treat medical conditions.
Social marginalization is not a medical term per se, but it is a concept that is often discussed in the context of public health and medicine. It refers to the process where individuals or groups are pushed to the edges of society and are excluded from full participation in social and economic life. This can be due to various factors such as poverty, discrimination, stigmatization, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and other resources.
Socially marginalized individuals and groups may experience poorer health outcomes due to limited access to healthcare services, unhealthy living conditions, and the negative effects of stress associated with social exclusion. Healthcare providers play an important role in identifying and addressing social marginalization as a determinant of health and working towards promoting equity and social inclusion for all patients.
In the context of medical science, culture refers to the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, under controlled conditions in a laboratory setting. This process is used to identify and study the characteristics of these microorganisms, including their growth patterns, metabolic activities, and sensitivity to various antibiotics or other treatments.
The culture medium, which provides nutrients for the microorganisms to grow, can be modified to mimic the environment in which the organism is typically found. This helps researchers to better understand how the organism behaves in its natural habitat.
In addition to its use in diagnosis and research, culture is also an important tool in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments and tracking the spread of infectious diseases.
"History, 19th Century" is not a medical term or concept. It refers to the historical events, developments, and figures related to the 1800s in various fields, including politics, culture, science, and technology. However, if you are looking for medical advancements during the 19th century, here's a brief overview:
The 19th century was a period of significant progress in medicine, with numerous discoveries and innovations that shaped modern medical practices. Some notable developments include:
1. Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine (1796): Although not strictly within the 19th century, Jenner's discovery laid the foundation for vaccination as a preventive measure against infectious diseases.
2. Germ theory of disease: The work of Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, and others established that many diseases were caused by microorganisms, leading to the development of antiseptic practices and vaccines.
3. Anesthesia: In 1842, Crawford Long first used ether as an anesthetic during surgery, followed by the introduction of chloroform in 1847 by James Simpson.
4. Antisepsis and asepsis: Joseph Lister introduced antiseptic practices in surgery, significantly reducing postoperative infections. Later, the concept of asepsis (sterilization) was developed to prevent contamination during surgical procedures.
5. Microbiology: The development of techniques for culturing and staining bacteria allowed for better understanding and identification of pathogens.
6. Physiology: Claude Bernard's work on the regulation of internal body functions, or homeostasis, contributed significantly to our understanding of human physiology.
7. Neurology: Jean-Martin Charcot made significant contributions to the study of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
8. Psychiatry: Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, a new approach to understanding mental illnesses.
9. Public health: The 19th century saw the establishment of public health organizations and initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, water quality, and vaccination programs.
10. Medical education reforms: The Flexner Report in 1910 led to significant improvements in medical education standards and practices.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "History, 20th Century" is a broad and complex topic that refers to the events, developments, and transformations that occurred throughout the world during the 1900s. It is not a medical term or concept. If you're interested in learning more about this historical period, I would recommend consulting a history textbook, reputable online resources, or speaking with a historian. They can provide detailed information about the political, social, economic, and cultural changes that took place during the 20th century.
I believe there might be a bit of confusion in your question. "History" is a subject that refers to events, ideas, and developments of the past. It's not something that has a medical definition. However, if you're referring to the "21st century" in a historical context, it relates to the period from 2001 to the present. It's an era marked by significant advancements in technology, medicine, and society at large. But again, it doesn't have a medical definition. If you meant something else, please provide more context so I can give a more accurate response.
Research, in the context of medicine, is a systematic and rigorous process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information in order to increase our understanding, develop new knowledge, or evaluate current practices and interventions. It can involve various methodologies such as observational studies, experiments, surveys, or literature reviews. The goal of medical research is to advance health care by identifying new treatments, improving diagnostic techniques, and developing prevention strategies. Medical research is typically conducted by teams of researchers including clinicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals. It is subject to ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that it is conducted responsibly and with the best interests of patients in mind.