Human biology and culture intertwine to shape our health. Evolution and genetics influence disease susceptibility, while cultural practices affect genetic diversity. This dynamic relationship highlights the complex interplay between our biological makeup and social environment.

Neuroanthropology explores how culture impacts brain function, shedding light on mental health. Meanwhile, socioeconomic factors and globalization create health disparities. Understanding these connections is crucial for addressing modern health challenges and providing culturally sensitive care.

Biological Factors in Human Health

Evolution and genetics in human health

• Evolution shaped human genome over time
  • Adaptations to environments and pathogens led to genetic variations (sickle cell trait provides malaria resistance)
• Genetic diversity within and between populations affects disease susceptibility
  • Certain genetic variants may protect against specific diseases (CCR5 mutation confers HIV resistance)
  • Other variants may increase risk of developing certain conditions (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase breast cancer risk)
• Gene-environment interactions play crucial role in health outcomes
  • Environmental factors influence gene expression (diet affects obesity-related genes)
  • Epigenetic modifications alter gene expression without changing DNA sequence (stress can modify gene expression)

Cultural practices vs genetic diversity

• Cultural practices influence genetic diversity through various mechanisms
  • Endogamy leads to increased genetic similarity within groups (Ashkenazi Jewish population)
  • Exogamy introduces new genetic variants into populations (Maasai tribe of East Africa)
• Genetic diversity shapes cultural practices and adaptations
  • Populations with specific genetic traits develop accommodating cultural practices (lactose tolerance and dairy farming)
• Gene-culture coevolution describes reciprocal relationship between genes and cultural practices
  • Cultural practices create selective pressures influencing genetic frequencies (farming and lactase persistence)
  • Genetic predispositions shape cultural norms and behaviors (novelty-seeking and migration patterns)

Neuroanthropology in medical context

• Neuroanthropology studies relationship between brain, culture, and behavior
  • Combines insights from neuroscience, anthropology, and related disciplines
• Investigates how cultural experiences and practices shape brain development and function
  • Cultural norms, beliefs, practices influence neural pathways and cognitive processes (meditation alters brain function)
• Contributes to medical anthropology by:
  • Providing insights into cultural and biological factors shaping mental health and illness
  • Exploring neural underpinnings of culture-bound syndromes and health-related behaviors
  • Informing culturally sensitive approaches to mental healthcare and treatment

Cultural and Social Determinants of Health

Culture-bound syndromes in healthcare

• Mental health conditions or illnesses specific to certain cultural contexts
  • Often not recognized or understood outside cultural setting
• Examples include:
  • Koro (Southeast Asia): Fear of genital retraction and eventual death
  • Susto (Latin America): Illness attributed to frightening event causing soul to leave body
  • Taijin kyofusho (Japan): Intense fear of offending or embarrassing others in social situations
• Highlight importance of cultural competence in healthcare
  • Healthcare providers need awareness of and sensitivity to cultural variations in illness presentation and interpretation
  • Culturally appropriate interventions and treatments essential for effective care
• Cultural relativism approach helps understand and respect diverse health beliefs and practices

Socioeconomic factors in health disparities

• Socioeconomic status (SES) encompasses income, education, occupation
  • Lower SES associated with poorer health outcomes and higher disease risk
• Health disparities refer to unequal distribution of health outcomes across social groups
  • Disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status
• Socioeconomic factors influence health through various pathways:
  1. Access to healthcare: Lower SES individuals may have limited access to quality services
  2. Environmental exposures: Lower SES neighborhoods may have higher pollution and hazard levels
  3. Health behaviors: Lower SES individuals may have higher rates of smoking, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles
  4. Chronic stress: Financial strain and social disadvantage can lead to chronic stress with negative health consequences
• Social determinants of health encompass broader societal factors affecting health outcomes

Globalization's impact on disease spread

• Globalization refers to increasing interconnectedness through trade, travel, communication
  • Has significant implications for spread of diseases and healthcare practices
• Increased international travel and migration facilitate rapid spread of infectious diseases
  • Outbreaks can quickly become global pandemics (COVID-19)
• Leads to exchange of healthcare knowledge and practices
  • Medical innovations and treatments shared across borders
  • Unequal distribution of resources leads to disparities in access to healthcare
• Globalization of unhealthy lifestyles contributes to rise of non-communicable diseases
  • Spread of Western diets and sedentary lifestyles increased obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease rates in developing countries
• Can have positive effects on healthcare
  • International collaborations improve healthcare infrastructure and capacity in resource-limited settings
  • Global health initiatives address inequities and promote health as fundamental human right

Medical Systems and Health Beliefs

• Medical pluralism refers to coexistence of multiple medical systems within a society
  • Biomedicine often coexists with traditional healing practices and alternative medicine
• Ethnomedicine studies traditional healing practices and beliefs of specific cultural groups
  • Provides insights into diverse approaches to health and illness
• Structural violence impacts health through systemic inequalities and oppression
  • Contributes to health disparities and limited access to healthcare for marginalized groups