Exploring the boundaries of medical anthropology in understanding human health

Abstract

The concept of human health has evolved beyond the confines of healthcare systems since the 20th century, spawning various definitions from diverse disciplines. While conventional views often solely on the absence of disease, they have faced criticism for their narrow perspective. Medical anthropologists, recognizing the complexity of health, assert that human health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental and social dimensions. Medical anthropology, a subfield of anthropology, delves into the cultural dimensions of health and illness. It examines how different cultures define health and illness, and how cultural beliefs and practices influence health behaviors. Pivoting on the anthropo-ontogenetic approach to health, this article highlights the pivotal role of human development in shaping health. Health, it argues, is not a static entity but rather an evolving process that unfolds across the lifespan. To illustrate this dynamic nature, the article introduces the spatial-temporal continuum (STC) of health, a model that maps the trajectory of health development throughout life. The STC framework incorporates ontogenetic stages, the distinct periods of human development, and their associated health determinants. This anthropo-ontogenetic perspective carries significant implications for medical practice. It advocates for preventive medicine to focus on early developmental stages, where interventions can yield the most profound impact. Rehabilitation, it suggests, should prioritize restoring functional capacity, rather than solely treating disease. Moreover, health education should be tailored to diverse age groups and developmental phases. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the contributions of medical anthropology to our understanding of human health. It commences by exploring the diverse definitions of health proposed by medical anthropologists, followed by an in-depth analysis of their insights into the cultural dimensions of health and illness. In conclusion, the anthropo-ontogenetic approach to health offers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding than traditional medical models. It emphasizes the dynamic and holistic nature of health, recognizing its intricate interplay with human development. This perspective has profound implications for medical practice, guiding preventive strategies, rehabilitation approaches, and health education initiatives. By embracing this holistic view, we can foster a more holistic and effective approach to promoting human health.