Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Process Of Health Care Decision Making Among Khmer Immigrants, Barbara Frye

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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 …