Social and Cultural Dimensions of Genetic Blood Diseases An Anthropological study in the Omani Society

Abstract

This study attempts to monitor the most important impacts of social and cultural variables on the health situation in the Omani society in general, and the incidence of hereditary blood disease in particular. The study aims to identify the social and cultural dimensions of health and disease in terms of concept and theoretical perspectives; the most important health indicators; the magnitude and spread of hereditary blood diseases in the Sultanate of Oman; and the disclosure of some of the social and cultural factors, and the difficulties facing the health pattern. The study relied on some Theoretical frameworks that provided scientific explanations about addressing the social and cultural dimensions of health and disease. Methodologically, the study was based on both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study concluded that there are many social and cultural dimensions that shaped some of the factors that caused the incidence of hereditary blood disease in the Omani society. The study concluded that there are many reasons behind genetic blood diseases such as: endogamy and dietary habits, and some popular perceptions about health and disease. It could be argued that there is a gap between the foundations of knowledge in the health system, and the health situation indicators of social and cultural implications.

Keywords

• Social and cultural dimensions, genetic blood diseases, the social map of the disease, endogamy, habits and popular perceptions.