Behavior Change and Public Health in the Developing World / Edition 1

by John P. Elder

Overview

Focusing on universal public health issues, this book explores what can be done and what the future holds. It introduces students and practitioners to behavior -change theories and applications. It details experiences of successful programs for the prevention and control of the world's biggest killers: malnutrition; respiratory infections; diarrhea; HIV//AIDS; and health problems arising from tobacco consumption and lack of access to family planning. The book explores health communication and social marketing strategies, learning theory, media advocacy, and community development. These behavior-change strategies are presented in terms of how the theory relates specifically to a particular health or disease issue.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761917786
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	11/17/2000
Series:	Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Health Behavior in the Developing World
A Few Good Theories and Behavioral Interventions That Work
Nutrition
Family Planning
Infectious Diseases
HIV//AIDS
Tobacco Control
Taking on the Wheel of Disease
Health Behavior Change in the 21st Century

Editorial Reviews

This is not a cookbook on health education, rather it goes upstream itself to the theoretical roots of public health and the needs of the 21st century. It is a welcome addition to the literature.

Contemporary Psychology

"John Elder pulls together the story of communication and public health. This book will be a unique guide for both the health professional and the communication students to the ideas and programs that have shaped the past thirty years. It goes beoynd the story of advertising and campaigns and exposes the real contribution of social marketing and social advocacy to some of the biggest public health success stories of our time. "

William Smith

Although acute respiratory infections, malaria, and vaccine- preventable diseases don't attract as much media attention as land mines, such diseases kill far more people. Elder (public health, San Diego State U.) points to recent Seattle protests at the World Trade Organization meeting as evidence that the establishment can be challenged on social change issues. For behavior change and public health specialists, he focuses on universal public health issues; their development; "a few good theories" of behavioral intervention; and actions that can be taken relating to nutrition, family planning, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, and tobacco (but not alcohol or illegal drug) control. New targets for behavior change include agrodiversity and sustainable consumption. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"Elder is to be applauded for a thought-provoking vision that ought to guide health planners in developing countries to address the seemingly insurmountable challenges posed by the health sector. The author is also to be commended for compiling a rich array of success stories that one night want to examine and emulate in the quest to alleviate the developing world's health ordeals "

Social Science & Medicine