Multiculturalism, Medicine and Health Part II: Multicultural Health Care.

In this second article of a series, the author develops the concept of health-related beliefs as belonging to one of three classifications: beliefs in "nature" or natural causation of health and illness; beliefs relating to the "self" as affecting health; and beliefs in the effects of supernatural forces on the health of individuals. He goes on to discuss beliefs in the first category and to show how physicians, by recognizing and respecting their patients' views on these matters, can improve the doctor-patient relationship and increase patient compliance.