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Anthropology, health and illness: an introduction to the concept of culture applied to the health sciences

This article presents a reflection as to how notions and behavior related to the processes of health and illness are an integral part of the culture of the social group in which they occur. It is argued that medical and health care systems are cultural systems consonant with the groups and social realities that produce them. Such a comprehension is fundamental for the health care professional training.

Culture; Anthropology; Health Care; Health Sciences


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