Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History

Abstract

Background and Aim: Social factors play a decisive role in the formation and change of lifestyle. Urbanization, modern education, technological development, mass media, health promotion and healthcare development are among these factors. The study aims to investigate lifestyle changes in the the formation and development of healthcare in Izeh. It was conducted using an ethnographic method.

Methods: In this qualitative study, 20 people were selected and entered into the study through purposive sampling (snowball). Data were collected using common data collection methods in ethnographic studies (observation and in-depth interviews). Interviews with samples, or in qualitative terms, informants, continued until the researcher reached theoretical saturation. Grounded theory analysis was used to analyze the data obtained.

Ethical Considerations: In compiling this research, the principles of trustworthiness and honesty in the analysis, reporting and publication of the material have been observed.

Results: The findings show that the transition from natural to man-made ecosystems and the development of health care services have paved the way for lifestyle changes in Iseh. While in natural ecosystems, there was a type of local indigenous medicine based on historical and oral experiences, the man-made ecosystem of modern medicine was based on two approaches: rationalism and empiricism. Health care facilities, reducing infant and child mortality and consequently increasing the population, improving nutrition, developing urban services and facilities, increasing social awareness and promoting public health and public sports were among the achievements of the emergence and development of health care in Izeh, which have created fundamental changes in its people lifestyle.

Conclusion: Before the government entered the nomadic society, people’s medical needs were met through a kind of local indigenous medicine. However, due to limitations, it was not able to treat all patients. With the settlement of the nomads in the region and the implementation of modernization programs, including the introduction of modern education, the emergence of health care (1938), the formation of the Malaria Control Department (1965), the dispatch of the Knowledge Corps, the Health Corps and the Promotion Corps to rural areas, the establishment of maternity hospitals (1968), hospitals (1979), water pipes (1979) and since the 1960s, the increase in urban-rural clinics, health homes, health centers and the increase in the number of doctors and paramedics has brought about fundamental changes in the lifestyle of the people of the region.