Can behaviour be modified to preserve health

Abstract

Different behaviours certainly impact differently on the health of individuals and their children. This can be shown by examining historical change, differences between communities in plural societies, and differentials in child survival by parental education. The behaviours, themselves, are the product of different philosophies about life and different priorities of groups divided by such characteristics as age and sex. Behaviour affecting health can certainly be modified over time by education or other approaches. Short-term behavioural change is harder to achieve. It appears to have been achieved among some populations in maternal care, sexual behaviour to avoid AIDS, breastfeeding, and oral rehydration treatment. Such sequences of events are difficult to document and measure. Actual change may often be much greater than we can document. There is resistance to some suggested behavioural changes through scepticism or because the existing behaviour brings other perceived benefits.