The introduction to public health presented in this book is the product of a team-taught course at SUNY-Albany. The achieved purpose is to increase knowledge about public health as an important part of undergraduate education. This text, well targeted for undergraduates, is authored by a School of Public Health faculty member and science writer. The author defines public health and its governmental, social, and economic frameworks. Potential conflicts between individual freedom and public policy receive attention. Epidemiological methods are presented conceptually rather than numerically, illustrated with bar graphs and simple tables. Research limitations and ethical dilemmas are discussed, as well as the role of vital statistics and public census data. The changed focus from infectious disease and sanitation to chronic disease, genetics, and environmental teratogens is reflected. Attention is given to topics such as AIDS, drug-resistant bacteria, and even bioterrorism. In six chapters she explores the psychosocial determinants of health, including behavioral factors such as tobacco use, diet, exercise, and accidents, as well as maternal and child health. Chapters on environmental issues include clean air and water, waste handling, and food and drug safety. In the sections on the medical care system and the future of public health the author discusses conflicts between providers, payers, consumers, and public policy. Coverage of our aging society and resulting increased cost of medical care includes issues of rationing and resolving inequities. Current references for each of 29 chapters come from professional journals, government reports, and popular sources. Thoughtfuldiscussion questions appear at the end of each chapter and there is a good index. The glossary includes only 145 words. This book is interesting, comprehensive, and well organized, and is designed for a new undergraduate audience. Deficits, including lack of sufficient attention to cultural issues in definitions of health and risk and to workforce maldistribution, are minor.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public health and its major functions, introducing readers to major areas such as epidemiology, infectious diseases, and the environment. Case examples allow readers to examine real-world public health problems. Coverage includes analytical methods of public health, biomedical basis of public health, social and behavioral factors, environmental issues, medical care, and the future of public health. The author is affiliated with the School of Public Health at the University at Albany, SUNY. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: Marcella H. Sorg, RN, PhD (University of Maine)
Description: The introduction to public health presented in this book is the product of a team-taught course at SUNY-Albany.
Purpose: The achieved purpose is to increase knowledge about public health as an important part of undergraduate education.
Audience: This text, well targeted for undergraduates, is authored by a School of Public Health faculty member and science writer.
Features: The author defines public health and its governmental, social, and economic frameworks. Potential conflicts between individual freedom and public policy receive attention. Epidemiological methods are presented conceptually rather than numerically, illustrated with bar graphs and simple tables. Research limitations and ethical dilemmas are discussed, as well as the role of vital statistics and public census data. The changed focus from infectious disease and sanitation to chronic disease, genetics, and environmental teratogens is reflected. Attention is given to topics such as AIDS, drug-resistant bacteria, and even bioterrorism. In six chapters she explores the psychosocial determinants of health, including behavioral factors such as tobacco use, diet, exercise, and accidents, as well as maternal and child health. Chapters on environmental issues include clean air and water, waste handling, and food and drug safety. In the sections on the medical care system and the future of public health the author discusses conflicts between providers, payers, consumers, and public policy. Coverage of our aging society and resulting increased cost of medical care includes issues of rationing and resolving inequities. Current references for each of 29 chapters come from professional journals, government reports, and popular sources. Thoughtful discussion questions appear at the end of each chapter and there is a good index. The glossary includes only 145 words.
Assessment: This book is interesting, comprehensive, and well organized, and is designed for a new undergraduate audience. Deficits, including lack of sufficient attention to cultural issues in definitions of health and risk and to workforce maldistribution, are minor.
