Behavior Theory In Public Health Practice And Research

"The purpose of the book is to provide public health students with essential background in behavioral science theory. The early chapters present the rationale for behavioral science in public health practice. Each subsequent chapter describes a theory or set of related theories in a concise and organized manner, with ample applications to public health practice. The book is applicable to public health students at the graduate or upper undergraduate level, particularly for health education, health promotion, nursing, behavioral science, and population health students, and as a reference for a wide range of health professionals. The book provides a conceptual, multi-level orientation to behavioral science theory for use in courses for public health professionals. The writing level is comfortable for college students, with consistent style and voice throughout the book. Specific chapters provide authoritative descriptions of prominent theories. Cogent examples of applications to practice and research are integrated liberally within the text. HIV/AIDS and the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic are two contemporary examples of health problems with substantial behavioral components that require theory-based research and preventive methods. Racial, ethnic, and economic disparities are highlighted throughout. The authors are experienced behavioral scientists with substantial experience teaching public health students"--