Global Perspectives on Health Promotion Effectiveness

Book Review Global Perspectives on Health Promotion Effectiveness, edited by David V. McQueen and Catherine M. Jones, 425 pp, with illus, $69.95, New York, NY, Springer (telephone: 800-777-4643), 2007, ISBN 978-0-38770973-8 Type and Scope of Book: A multiauthored text. Contents: This monograph, recording work being done in conjunction with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, summarizes the challenges and approaches to answering the questions of health promotion effectiveness as they are being dealt with by the Global Program on Health Promotion Effectiveness. The editors have intended this book to be addressed to individuals interested in, as the editors put it, “one of the most important issues in health promotion, namely demonstrating the effectiveness of the work being done.” The book covers the Global Program on Health Promotion Effectiveness work being done on health promotion effectiveness in the field and the challenges and debates facing the field as it matures. Strengths: The book presents a broad snapshot of the achievements and challenges in health promotion internationally and the theoretical constructs being used to inform the debate on effectiveness and evidence for effectiveness. Deficiencies: Although the information is important and enlightening, the style of writing is sometimes challenging and occasionally obscures the messages being communicated. Recommended Readership: Individuals who have a strong interest and prior experience in public health and health promotion. Although the book will be a difficult read for the novice in health promotion and world public health, individual chapters are outstanding, and the book should be considered for libraries serving professionals in health promotion and related fields. Overall Grading: ### Robin G. Molella, MD, MPH, Division of Preventive, Occupational and Aerospace Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Grading Key ★★★★★ = outstanding; ★★★★ = excellent; ★★★ = good; ★★ = fair; ★ = poor.

© 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

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