Greenwood Handbook of Black American Health: The Mosaic of Conditions, Issues, Policies, and Prospects

It is estimated that there are 60,000 excess Black American deaths annually compared with White Americans. Not only do Black babies die earlier than White babies, but, in recent years, there are reports that while life expectancy for Whites has improved, for Blacks there has been a leveling off, if not a reduction. These are among the issues detailed in this important guide to the major causes of Black illness and death.Divided into 27 chapters, this handbook provides a mosaic of the conditions, issues, and policies related to Black American health. The more than 40 contributing authors, drawn from institutions across the country, are the premier scholars in their respective fields. The scope and multidisciplinary nature of the handbook makes it invaluable for those concerned with contemporary Black society, clinical medicine, epidemiology, health care administration, medical sociology, nursing, nutrition, public health, social work, and public policy. Review ?This very timely book addresses current health care problems and needs of African Americans at a time when health care reform is being debated and developed. A valuable contribution. Upper-division undergraduate through professional.?-Choice?Vast disparities exist in the health of ethnic groups in America when compared with the general population. In this fine reference source, editor Livingston, a professor of various sociological and health-related topics at Howard University, adeptly presents the wide range of issues influencing the health of black Americans. Drawing on a broad scope of sources-governmental reports, unpublished materials, and monographs and articles from medical, community health, and nonprofessional literature-Livingston distills information pertaining to the black population and makes it easily accessible to the different audiences this publication will serve. . . .Individual chapters written by experts in their field, are well referenced, noted, and illustrated, but they are not so technical as to inhibit the typical student or casual user. . . . .A worthwhile purchase for most public libraries and health related collections.?-Library Journal"This very timely book addresses current health care problems and needs of African Americans at a time when health care reform is being debated and developed. A valuable contribution. Upper-division undergraduate through professional."-Choice"Vast disparities exist in the health of ethnic groups in America when compared with the general population. In this fine reference source, editor Livingston, a professor of various sociological and health-related topics at Howard University, adeptly presents the wide range of issues influencing the health of black Americans. Drawing on a broad scope of sources-governmental reports, unpublished materials, and monographs and articles from medical, community health, and nonprofessional literature-Livingston distills information pertaining to the black population and makes it easily accessible to the different audiences this publication will serve. . . .Individual chapters written by experts in their field, are well referenced, noted, and illustrated, but they are not so technical as to inhibit the typical student or casual user. . . . .A worthwhile purchase for most public libraries and health related collections."-Library Journal About the Author IVOR LENSWORTH LIVINGSTON is Graduate Associate Professor of Medical Sociology/Social Epidemiology and Social Psychology, and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Howard University. In addition, Dr. Livingston is Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Family Practice, School of Medicine, Howard University.