This is a very good American site that describes traditional health seeking practices as well as giving useful facts (i.e. outlining prevalent diseases amongst the target community). It specifically looks at refugee populations and includes excellent links to other sections that give more detail on issues such as women and health, refugee experiences and health, infectious diseases etc. Recommended. ۞ ۞ ۞ ۞ ۞
This American general health site has well written articles on traditional health beliefs although it covers broad geographical zones so it is rarely culture specific enough. However it has done a specific case for India which is well worth reading. ۞ ۞ ۞۞
This very readable Canadian site gives a short account of the county's geography, history, sports, arts, work, family and health. It is socially orientated rather than health focussed, as it is designed to initiate communication and integration between habitual Canadian residents and newly arrived immigrants. It will therefore not explain aspects of culture to a depth that some health care providers would need. However, it does offer avenues and ideas that could be used to open up a productive communication process between health care providers and clients that would lead to relevant information being exchanged. ۞ ۞ ۞
This 2004 cultural profile is an American `library of congress' government file. As such it is concise and factual and it offers sections on health, education, and human rights. However, it is lacking in any data on traditional health seeking practices and cultural beliefs that would increase opportunities to develop cross cultural understanding. ۞ ۞
This reliable UNICEF site gives background information and health related statistics that could prove especially useful for health care providers who need to determine the health and social history of their clients. Some cultural information can also be deduced relatively easily from the statistical detail. There is an emphasis on children's and women's health due to UNICEF's focus on children. ۞ ۞
This BBC site will give you a brief overview of the current political situation in each country. This may help you to know what political situation your client may have left behind and what their relations are currently living with. It also gives a brief overview of statistics - population, religions, languages, life expectancy and exports. ۞
This site gives you basic facts and a map of each country. It gives basic demographic details that include religion, ethnicities, health risks, mortality rates etc. which may be useful, especially if comparative material is required. A short synopsis of the political situation in the country is included. ۞
SPIRASI does not necessarily agree with the facts and opinions presented in this guide or any linked websites.