Cultural Change and Health: The Case of Southamerican Rainforest Indians

The book deals with the health consequences of cultural change, using the situation of South American Rain Forest Indians as an example. The first part describes their original ecosystem and the balance of health, disease and the traditional medical system under these specific circumstances. The second part is concerned with the health consequences of cultural, social, and environmental changes. A model is developed for a better understanding of these processes and for the illustration of possible interventions by the public health system in Ecuador.