Changing health behavior among populations in transition

Most people are well aware that they should take care of their health, and can cite a number of behaviors they regularly perform to preserve and promote it. These include a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in some physical activity, not smoking, not drinking alcoholic beverages in excess, and having leisure-time pursuits. The three populations that are of interest include the Bedouin, the Ethiopian Jewish immigrants and the immigrants from the former Soviet Union who have settled in the Negev region. For each population there is a unique story to tell about how culture, health behavior and the Israeli health care system interact. Examples of how the health care system tried to intervene among three populations living in the Negev to promote better infant care, family health and family planning illustrate the dynamics of how culture and health care interact.