Abstract

MONTEIRO, Ivete  and  RAMOS, Natália. Practices and health beliefs in the Hindu community in Portugal. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2018, vol.19, n.1, pp.64-70. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/18psd190110.

The knowledge of the concept of individual health and related beliefs and practices is fundamental for a convergence of knowledge and for a common understanding aimed at improving the health of the individual and consequently enhancing the health and well-being of the community. This study aims to identify beliefs and health practices developed in the Hindu community living in Portugal and to analyze how these beliefs and practices are transmitted to the younger members. A qualitative methodology was used, performing 60 semi-structured interviews and photographic and photographic observation of the practices performed in the temples and houses of Hindu parents and grandparents belonging to this Portuguese-speaking community. The data collected in the interviews were subjected to discourse analysis and the images obtained were analyzed the practices and gestures related to health. The results reveal that in Portugal, Hindus initially resort to health practices inherited from their ancestors and based on ayurvedic medicine, which are complemented by the recommendations given by Western medicine. There is a concern to transmit these practices to the younger members through the repetition of gestures and participation in ceremonies and rituals, so that they do not disappear and continue to be part of their cultural and family identity.

Keywords : health beliefs; health practices; Hindu families in Portugal; migration; health and education; cultural transmission and health.

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