Book Description

This is a comprehensive yet concise source of reference on public health (community health), for those concerned with the health and well-being of the populations of southern Africa. It is an invaluable book for those entering the field of healthcare as it gives a comprehensive overview of the health environment and the health needs of those living in the region. The book is well-known and trusted amongst nurses and healthcare workers. It is an ideal book for the entry-level (Year 1 or 2) of all health professions doing degrees in health sciences at university and ideal training material for all mid-level healthcare workers specially the enrolled nurse. Section 1 of the book gives an overview of the current health environment in the region. More regional information has been included, such as migration and the political situation in the region and the impact it has on South Africa's health profile. The impact of international bodies such as the United Nations agencies and their contribution to healthcare in the region are also discussed. The book addresses the basics of epidemiology, data collection and health information and the importance of using the information in planning to address the identified health problems. It will also address the emerging health problems related to infection prevention and control. Chronic and communicable diseases prevalent in the region are discussed, especially Aids, tuberculosis and malaria which dominate the health profile in the sub-continent. Emerging communicable diseases impacting on health in the region are introduced in this new edition. Health throughout the life-span is covered in Section 2, from a public health perspective. The previous edition's chapter on personal health issues has been removed. This edition includes new content on reproductive health and mental health. Social pathologies such as rape, violence, and child abuse have been included. The aspects of creating an enabling environment for health, including issues associated with climate change, as well as safe water and waste management, are also addressed according to current opinion and a new chapter on climate change has been added.