Medication, healing and resistance in East Malaysia

Sara Ashencaen Crabtree, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Mental Health, Religion and Culture

Publication Date

3-1-2005

Abstract

This paper considers some findings from an ethnographic study of psychiatric patients in hospital care in East Malaysia. The subject of treatment is considered with regard to professional attitudes towards patient 'compliance' and the demonstration of resistance by users within a multicultural context in which traditional healing continues to be a popular alternative to biomedicine. 'Resistance' here is used in its literal meaning, rather than as an abstract, theoretical construct. The narratives of Malaysian patients in relation to resisting treatment in this study form some direct comparisons with, for example, the quotes from service users on the topic of medication, 'control and coercion' in the UK. (Rogers, A., et al. (1993). Experiencing psychiatry: Users' views of services. London: MacMillan Press/MIND Publications.) Resistance to treatment then is interpreted by staff as the outcome of sickness behaviour, which frequently results in coercive strategies. The undisputed power of the medical profession in Malaysia has contributed to the lack of an evolved 'service-user' perspective in which few patient rights are recognised, especially non-treatment. These responses remain embedded in a paternalistic and custodial attitude that does not acknowledge issues of spirituality or alternative healing practices that are important to hospitalised patients. Modernisation of services have not led to a parallel development with regard to patient participation or in terms of appropriate cultural responses. It is concluded that until this takes place professionals will continue to ignore the personal meaning users attach to treatment resistance. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

ISSN

1367-4676

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Volume

8

Issue

1

First Page

17

Last Page

25

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

alternative medicine, article, biomedicine, cultural factor, drug utilization, ethnology, experience, health behavior, health care quality, health care utilization, hospital care, hospital patient, human, illness behavior, Malaysia, mental health service, mental patient, outcomes research, paternalism, patient compliance, patient right, persuasive communication, physician attitude, theory, traditional medicine, United Kingdom

Scopus ID

13444280312

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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