ABSTRACT
<B>Introduction</B><BR>This study's aim was to determine how the villagers' concept of health and health seeking behavior were affected by attributes, self-rated health and the Health Locus of Control (HLC) in Southern Lao P.D.R. (Laos).<BR>The results of this study may be used to assist those involved with health work in Laos.<BR><B>Methods</B><BR>In June 2009, the study was conducted in the L District of Savannakhet Province, Laos. Out of 141 people over 20 years old approached, of whom 70 were men and 71 women, 138 completed the questionnaire (97.8%).<BR>The concept of health was examined by descriptive analysis, and the self-rated health was described by age through logistic regression analysis. A chi-squared test by sex and academic background was also conducted. Each health behavior was analyzed using multiple regression analysis by age, sex, academic background, self-rated health and the HLC.<BR><B>Results</B><BR>The concept of health was described as “<I>sabay </I>(comfortable)” or “<I>sabay-dee </I>(comfortable and good)”. There was statistical difference of self-rated health between ages, but none between sexes.<BR>For the influence of health behavior factors, “Elderly”, “Modernization”, “Advanced medicine”, “Self-effort”and “feeling unwell” were extracted. When villagers feel unwell, they have access to both vitamin injection (modern medicine) and “Mo-lao”(traditional medicine).<BR><B>Conclusions</B><BR>The villagers' concept of health in the subject area was determined by not only the physical, but also the spiritual well-being of the society.<BR>Elderly people used both traditional and modern medicine. Further study may be required to show how the villagers, who use either modern or traditional medicine determine their health seeking behavior.<BR>It is also suggested to provide those villagers with adequate information about medical resources and nutrition.