Applying Health Social Science: Best Practice in the Developing World

Health social science has evolved rapidly since the late 1980s. This volume presents ten case studies that exemplify some of the best practice in health social science in developing countries. The studies address the critical question of how social/behavioural science approaches can make a difference to significant health issues such as AIDS, people's reliance on traditional healers, their use of both indigenous and modern medicine, STDs, smoking, heart disease, and pyschological stress.The first and last chapters provide an overview of the evolving role of health social science research and examine some of the most promising perspectives illustrated by the case studies. The editors also reflect on future challenges and innovations in health social science research. This book will be a valuable resource for policymakers, planners and foundations supporting international health development, as well as scholars and public health practitioners.