Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the situation of alternative health systems for promoting the health of middle-aged women in 3 regions of Thailand. The study was undertaken at health services institutions and public places both in urban and rural areas of Chiang Mai (North), Khon Kaen (Northeast), and Songkhla (South), Three hundred and fifty seven women age 40-59 and eighty-two health discussions were used for data collection during March 1999-Februry 2000. Triangulation and content analysis were used for validation and analysis. Seven main themes emerged in describing an existing situation of alternative health promotion in the way of living and holism 2) Factors and conditions within women’s life and social context that lead to health promotion practice 3) Abundant and confusing information on the health promotion for middle-aged women 4) A modern health system which is based on health profession 5) An alternative health system which is independent and community based 6) Alternative health practices which emphasize mostly on nutrition, mind control, exercise, and using chemical agent and 7) Middle-aged women used alternative health systems more than modern medicine but health insurance undermined the health promotion activities. It is suggested that empowering women group in using alternative health systems and expanding their social arena are ways of developing alternative health systems to promote the health of middle-aged women.
