Health Promotion in Multicultural Populations

Book excerpt: The thoroughly updated Second Edition of Health Promotion in Multicultural Populations grounds readers in the understanding that health promotion programs in multicultural settings require an in-depth knowledge of the cultural group being targeted. Numerous advances and improvements in theory and practice in health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP) are presented. Editors Michael V Kline and Robert M Huff have expanded the book to include increased attention directed to students and instructors while also continuing to provide a handbook for practitioners in the field. This book combines the necessary pedagogical features of a textbook with the scholarship found in a traditional handbook. Several new chapters have been added early in the text to provide stronger foundations for understanding the five sections that follow. The book considers five specific multicultural groups: Hispanic/Latino, African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations. The first chapter in each of the five population group sections presents an overview devoted to understanding this special population from a variety of perspectives. The second chapter of each section explains how to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs for each of the specific groups. The third chapter in each section highlights a case study to emphasize points made in the overview and planning chapters. The fourth chapter in each section provides "Tips" for working with the cultural groups described in that section. New to the Second Edition Devotes a chapter to traditional health beliefs and traditions that can help the practitioner better understand how these beliefs and traditions can impact on Western biomedical practices Contains a new chapter that evaluates health disparities across the U.S. Presents a new chapter that examines ethical dilemmas and considerations in a multicultural context Offers updated citations and content throughout Gives selected Web sites of interest Intended Audience This book is ideal for practitioners and students in the fields of health promotion and education, public health, nursing, medicine, psychology, sociology, social work, physical therapy, radiology technology and other allied professions.