How can research on the social determinants of health be translated into real life public health practice? Challenging the research-practice gap, this text shows readers from a range of professions how their practice can help to minimise health inequalities. The social model of health embraces individual lifestyles, social and community networks, socio-economic, political and cultural influences and the plethora of factors that can impact on public health, for instance, education, work, welfare benefits, environment, housing, health and social care. All of these can have a significant effect on people's experiences of health and well-being, and are often unrecognised sources of health inequalities.

This innovative textbook outlines and discusses key public health principles and the social model of health. Drawing on a range of case studies and the international literature, it looks at how public health research has been applied to policy and practice. The book discusses the transferability that these findings have had and their capacity to influence and provide evidence for practice. Health and Inequality covers a broad range of social determinants of health, encountered throughout the life-course, including:

• Pre-birth and early years
• Breastfeeding and teenage mothers
• Health inequalities for mothers and babies in prison
• Children in full time education
• Sexuality, relationships and sexual health of young people
• Early adulthood
• Welfare rights and health benefits
• Women, employment and well-being
• Adults in later life

Practical and clearly structured, this text will be useful to a range of health and social care professionals involved in public health work, particularly those undertaking courses on public health, health promotion or the social determinants of health.

About the Author

Angela M. Tod is Professor in Health Services Research at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Julia Hirst is a Reader in Sociology and Public Health Lead at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Reviews

'..the book is readable for those starting out in public health but also an excellent review book for those more experienced in the field. Many of the public health concepts will be familiar to those working in occupational health. There is little use of jargon and the chapters are harmonized appropriately following logically from one to the next. In summary, the book has a place on any occupational health practitioner's shelf...' - Subhashis Basu, Occupational Medicine

'This book brings to life the world of public health policy and practice. It provides tangible examples of how wider social determinants of health can impact on people's lives and ultimately prevent them from getting the care they need. This will be a valuable addition to every reading list for undergraduate and postgraduate courses concerned with health and wellbeing. It has a broad appeal across academic disciplines as well as health and social care professions.' - Linda Burke, Pro Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Education & Health, University of Greenwich, UK.

'Julia Hirst and Angela Tod show that the strength of public health lies not only in the clinics and inside medical settings but crucially also in the societies in which people have to cope with systemic inequality and different access to care and support. With the rapid political and economic changes that so many societies are facing public health needs are increasingly diverse and challenging. This book shows how public health and social care can be transformed and engages the reader in how theory and practice can combine and influence policy development. The range of topics covers most aspects of life and the eclectic mix of research is engaging and diverting and shows how public health can be effective and sustained.' - Mary Crewe Director Centre for the Study of AIDS, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Book Information
ISBN 9780415633932
Author Angela M. Tod
Format Paperback
Page Count 158
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 340g