Health and Illness Related Beliefs and Practices of Karen Highlanders in Northwest Thailand

Abstract

This research examined differences in health and vaccination status as well as a mother'sbeliefs and practices during illnesses between the less modernized Pwo animist and the moremodernized Sgaw Christian highland Karen of northwest Thailand . There are numerous and significant differences between Pwo and Sgaw mothers in their specific beliefs and behaviors related to children's health, including smoking rates, bathing children, clinic visitation, vaccination rates and specific illnesses. In particular, Sgaw mothers more frequently exhibit behaviors which should enhance the health of their children. These differences between the two groups concerning health beliefs and the behaviors are at least partially responsible for the lower morbidity and mortality rates found among Sgaw preschool children . A mother's acceptance of Christianity historically could be associated with an increased degree of modernization, and promotion of behavioral changes in individuals among the Sgaw Christian group, which appears to have positive influence on children's health status.