For courses in Community Nursing, and for use in basic health related profession programs, as well as in medical, social work, and other health disciplines. This text promotes an awareness of the dimensions and complexities involved in caring for people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It examines the differences existing within North America by probing the health care system and consumers, and examples of traditional health beliefs and practices among selected populations. An emphasis on the influences of recent social, political, and demographic changes help to explore the issues and perceptions of health and illness today.