KEY CONCEPTS AND DEFINITION OF PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

Sociology is the scientific study of human behaviour and social life. It focuses on behavioral pattern, be it rational or non rational using scientific methodology such as: observation, rationality, objectivity, interpretation.

Medical sociology is the Sociological analysis of medical organizations and institutions, the production of knowledge and selection of methods, the actions and interactions of healthcare professionals and the social or cultural (rather than clinical or bodily) effects of medical practice.

It is also concerned with relationship of social factors of health and with the application of sociological theory and research techniques to question related to health and health care system.

Furthermore, it is seen as a branch of sociology which concerns itself with all the actions and factors in illness so as to draw the sick person and his relations and medical personnel to understanding of what goes on in the provision of health care which is the goal of medicine.

Magnus (1995) described medical sociology as the scientific study of social, emotional and cultural element in human illness and human health.

Anderson (1952) defined medical sociology as the study of social factors of illness.

Medical sociology is therefore all about:

a) The interaction between the medical personnel and the client- patients.

b) The impact of traditional/scientific medication on the society.