Human behavior and the communicable diseases of childhood

Applied epidemiology and environmental health: emerging controversies

This review article assesses the state of the science in environmental epidemiology, not by summarizing current scientific findings but rather by examining conceptual controversies in the study of how environmental factors influence human health. This approach seems necessary because environmental epidemiology presently stands at a crossroads-in fact, at a number of overlapping crossroads. The field teems with epistemologic debates concerning appropriate paradigms for framing research questions, interpreting data, and applying research findings to policy. The present review focuses on emerging controversies related to three questions: What is considered "environmental"? What counts as credible research in environmental epidemiology? And what does "applied epidemiology" mean in the context of environmental health? The goal is to organize the presently fragmented critical literature on these issues and to promote productive dialogue by identifying central themes in current conceptual debates.

Human behavior, health education and schistosomiasis control: a review

This paper examines the role of human behavior in schistosomiasis transmission and control in relation to health education. The literature is reviewed to identify relevant behaviors and to examine progress and constraints in health education, using the primary health care approach. The behavior model by Dunn and the PRECEDE health education model by Green and coworkers are adapted for health education in schistosomiasis control. Because of its focus on the role of individual and community vs outside factors, deliberate vs non-deliberate behavior and health-enhancing and health-maintaining vs health-lowering behavior, Dunn's model can evaluate social, economic, cultural and political factors in schistosomiasis transmission and control that must be considered in health education. The PRECEDE model represents a suitable diagnostic tool for health education planning, intervention and evaluation.