The Marathi “Taskonomy” of respiratory illnesses in children

Abstract

The reduction of childhood mortality from respiratory infections depends upon a case management strategy which encourages the decision to seek treatment. The research discussed, conducted in Pachod, Maharashtra, India, uses a “taskonomic” approach to understanding the diagnosis of illness and treatment decisions. This approach views treatment decisions as a result not only of local conceptual models of illness, but also of the specific circumstances of illness episodes involving different types of social relationships and control over resources.

Key words:

• acute respiratory infections
• India
• taskonomy
• ethnomedicine