2nd Abstract
Author Professor Naipinich Kotchabhakdi
Address Neuro-Behavioural Biology Center, Institute of Science and
Technology, Mahidol University Salaya Nakornpath, Thailand
Email Naiphinich Kotchabhakdi [scnkc@...]
Tel 662 4419321
Fax 662 4419743
Abstract Topic Cross-cultural aspects: East and west, north and
south
Authors Nittaya J. Kotchabhakdi, National Institute for Child and
Family Development, and Naiphinich Kotchabhakdi, Neuro-Behavioural
Biology Center, Institute of Science and Technology, Mahidol
University, Salaya, Nakornpathom, Thailand; Peer Staff, Vesta, Oslo
Body of abstract:
The prevalence of subjective health complaints
(SHC) has been mapped in Mangyan aboriginates in the Philippines, in
Maasais in Kenya, and in rural and urban samples in Thailand.
The prevalence has been compared with data deriving from Norwegian and
Nordic population samples.
An interview based version of SHC inventory was used for all populations.
The prevalence is high in all populations.
However, the prevalence is higher on most complaints for the Asian and the African samples.
Mangyans and Maasais, living under primitive conditions close to nature, have
more SHC than Norwegians, living in a modern, highly developed and
industrialised country.
The Thai population samples seem to be positioned in between the European and the Mangyans and Maasais.
SHC has also been measured in the Antarctic and in mining crews working
at Svalbard (Spitzbergen), almost at 80 degrees north.
These highly selected and volunteering crews have lower SHC than the average and
control groups in the Nordic populations.
Further studies will explore how SHC are interpreted in different cultures and how these
interpretations influence quality of and satisfaction with life.
Contributed support
Conflict of interest No
