Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health

Emphasizing the importance of social context and cultural construction, Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health examines current issues in health from a social and behavioral sciences perspective. The book uses a social ecological framework to address multilevel influences on health and enlarge the dominant "risk factor" approach to health behavior. Editor Jeannine Coreil and contributing authors use examples from the forefront of public health to illustrate the relevance of "core"competencies" in the field to diverse real-world problems. The Second Edition has been thoroughly updated and revised throughout, based on user feedback, and includes new theory, research, case studies.

Key Features:




Applies the social ecology of health model to contemporary issues at the individual and group level
Draws from a wide range of disciplines, including medical sociology, health psychology, medical anthropology, demography, gerontology, and economics
Describes planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs, policies, and interventions
Features engaging case studies and examples on topics such as HIV/AIDS and breast cancer
Includes new "Special Topics" section, with chapters on childhood obesity, injury prevention, and occupational health
Offers practical advice for students and practitioners interested in updating their knowledge and skills"


Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health is intended as a core textbook for graduate courses in public health and health care management that examine current issues in health from a social and behavioral sciences perspective.