Genetic epidemiology is a very rapidly developing field that has acquired a central role in modern biomedical science. Driven by fast-paced technological advances arising from the sequencing of the human genome, and the rolling-out of these technologies into population-based studies, remarkable advances have occurred recently in our ability to detect genetic polymorphisms which contribute to susceptibility to complex human disease. This new science has begun to transform epidemiology, clinical medicine, and public health. Epidemiologists and public health students who in the past only had to learn a minimum of genetics are now required to acquire more detailed knowledge of the field, yet until now there has been no text set at the appropriate introductory level. This book brings together leading international experts to provide an introduction to genetic epidemiology that begins with a primer in human molecular genetics (requiring no prior specialist knowledge) and then examines all the standard methods in population genetics and genetic epidemiology required for an adequate grounding in the field. Among much else, the book contains discussion of the public health aspects of the new genetics, and of epidemiological methods for studying genes and environmental factors in complex diseases. Supplemented by a glossary and in-chapter guides to further reading, this introduction to genetic epidemiology will be widely welcomed by teachers and students on a burgeoning number of courses across the world.

This Handbook is the definitive resource for anyone wishing to quickly look up and understand key concepts and measurements relating to socioeconomic position and inequalities. A range of key concepts is defined and measures of socioeconomic position and inequality described. Alphabetical listings, cross-referencing, graphs and worked examples, references to web and other sources of further information, all contribute to making the Handbook both engaging and accessible for a wide audience. For students, academics and others involved in social science research it answers questions such as: * 'What's the official government measure of poverty?' * 'What factors make up the Townsend Index of Deprivation?' * 'What is a gini coefficient?' * 'I have to write a report on tackling inequalities in my area - what are the key issues I should consider before I begin?' For practitioners, policy makers, journalists and others who must read, understand and use research in fields as diverse as health, criminology, education, the environment, transport and housing it provides a one-stop, authoritative guide to making sense of and evaluating the significance of often complex methodologies. The authors are all eminent researchers in the field of health inequalities. They have together produced two glossaries for the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health and have published a large number of books and articles in learned academic journals.

The lifecourse perspective on adult health and on health inequalities in particular, is one of the most important recent developments in epidemiology and public health. This book brings together, in a single volume, the work of one of the most distinguished academics in the field. It is the first to specifically take a lifecourse approach to health inequalities and will be essential reading for academics, students and policy makers with an interest in public health, epidemiology, health promotion and social policy.

Relentlessly, the wide health gap between different groups of people living in Britain continues to get even wider. This book presents new evidence (which was not available to the government's Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health) on the size of the gap, and the extent to which the gap is widening. In particular, new geographical data are presented and displayed in striking graphical form. It challenges whether the government is concerned enough about reducing inequalities and highlights the living conditions of the million people living in the least healthy areas in Britain. It presents explanations for the widening health gap, and addresses the implications of this major social problem. In the light of this evidence the authors put forward social policies which will reduce the health gap in the future. The widening gap synthesises all the information available to date and should be read alongside the report of the evidence presented to the Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health (Inequalities in health, The Policy Press, 1999) and by all those concerned with reducing health inequalities. Studies in poverty, inequality and social exclusion series Series Editor: David Gordon, Director, Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research. Poverty, inequality and social exclusion remain the most fundamental problems that humanity faces in the 21st century. This exciting series, published in association with the Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research at the University of Bristol, aims to make cutting-edge poverty related research more widely available. For other titles in this series, please follow the series link from the main catalogue page.

The Acheson Inquiry was the most important government-backed examination into inequalities in health in the past 20 years. However, much of the detailed evidence presented to the Inquiry has not been published - until now. This book presents 17 chapters of evidence commissioned by the Acheson Inquiry to inform their work. It provides a 'state of the art' review, by leading experts, into aspects of inequalities in health among: Mothers/families/children Youth Adults of working age Older people Housing Social environment Poverty and income The NHS Nutrition Education Areas Ethnicity Transport/pollution/material environment Gender Mental health Health-related behaviours Oral health * Inequalities in health: The evidence is important reading for academics in the social and medical sciences, students, medical professionals and people working within the fields of health and community care. Studies in poverty, inequality and social exclusion series Series Editor: David Gordon, Director, Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research. Poverty, inequality and social exclusion remain the most fundamental problems that humanity faces in the 21st century. This exciting series, published in association with the Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research at the University of Bristol, aims to make cutting-edge poverty related research more widely available. For other titles in this series, please follow the series link from the main catalogue page.

Inequalities in health, in terms of both empirical evidence and policies to tackle their reduction, are currently high on the research and political agendas. This reader provides two centuries of historical context to the current debate. Poverty, inequality and health in Britain: 1800-2000 presents extracts from classic texts on the subject of poverty, inequality and health in Britain. For the first time, these key resources are presented in a single volume. Each extract is accompanied by information about the author, and an introduction by the editors draws together themes of change and continuity over two hundred years. Some extracts present empirical evidence of the relationship of poverty and health, while others describe the gritty reality of the everyday struggles of the poor. This book will be of interest to students, researchers, academics and policy makers working in a range of disciplines: the social sciences, historical studies and health. It will also be of interest to all those concerned with tackling health inequalities and social justice generally. Studies in poverty, inequality and social exclusion series Series Editor: David Gordon, Director, Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research. Poverty, inequality and social exclusion remain the most fundamental problems that humanity faces in the 21st century. This exciting series, published in association with the Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research at the University of Bristol, aims to make cutting-edge poverty related research more widely available. For other titles in this series, please follow the series link from the main catalogue page.

Genetic epidemiology is a rapidly developing field, and one in which epidemiologists and public health students now need to acquire considerable knowledge where, in the past, a minimal overview had sufficed. Yet, until now, there has been no current text appropriate for them. This major new book fills the gap, bringing together leading experts in the field to provide an introduction to genetic epidemiology that begins with a primer in human molecular genetics, requiring no substantive prior specialist knowledge. It continues through all the standard methods in population genetics and genetic epidemiology required for an excellent grounding in the field. The book contains discussion of the public health aspects of the new genetics, and of epidemiological methods for studying genes and environmental factors in complex diseases. An Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology also includes a glossary and guide for further reading.