The authors examine health-related attitudes, practices, and utilization patterns among the Bedouin in the south of Israel. Particular attention is given to the effects of the new National Insurance Law that established universal health-care coverage for the first time, and to the identification of critical issues for further research. Focus groups, adapted to Bedouin culture, were the primary method of data collection. Twelve groups (158 participants) from the Negev met for 3-7 sessions each, using specially trained local moderators and observers. The focus groups discussed and analyzed issues such as their experience and satisfaction with the current health system (both modern and traditional), health service availability/barriers, health-care needs, influences of social change, and the National Insurance Law.
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