Pilot study to develop a tool to elicit Khmer beliefs about the causes of illness

Abstract

Since 1979 thousands of Southeast Asians have sought resettlement in the United States. The cultural framework of these people is evidenced in their health belief system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Khmer refugees in order to elicit their beliefs about the causes of symptoms they have experienced. It was found chat both natural and supernatural causes were attributed to their illness. The concept of k'chall, bad air in the body, vas very important in the health belief systems of the Khmer respondents.