This study examined concepts of health and illness in 55 adult male Australians using qualitative methodology. Aspects of health most fre quently cited included functional capacity, psychological well-being, ab sence of illness, and physical fitness. Forty per cent of respondents failed to mention any aspect of behaviour in illness causation. The negative impact of environmental factors on health was a concern for many respondents. Susceptibility to illness and perceived gender differences in health status were also examined. The diverse concepts of illness need to be considered in the development of health education.
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