Illness interpretation and modes of treatment in Kirtipur

This paper is based on field work carried out as part of UNFPA's project in 1983 among the Newars of Kirtipur, Nepal. An attempt is made to explore the interpretation and beliefs about causes of illness as held by people in the study area. The nature of community reactions and management of illness are also special areas of interest. Illness and affliction are seen to be attributed to deeper and often ambiguous causes. People interviewed believe that the patient's social, moral and ritual situations can be responsible for the prevalence of a particular illness. Instead of merely analysing patient's illness, a correlation can often be established among various other factors.