Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect changes in health promotion practice, policy and research, The Challenge of Promoting Health explores the potential at the local level for communities to be involved in promoting their own health and examines the role of statutory agencies and other organisations in the making of healthy public policy. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book will be of continued interest to all those committed to promoting health, especially those working in the health and social care fields.

Addressing the fundamental debates surrounding health promotion, this study explores new horizons and raises controversial issues. Containing analysis from practitioners, policy makers and academics, it teases out the exciting and sometimes difficult dilemmas facing those promoting health. Revised and updated to reflect changes in health promotion practice, policy and research, this book is the reader for the Open University course K301: Promoting Health: Skills, Perspectives and Practice. It should be of continued interest to all those committed to promoting health, especially those working in the health and social care fields.

What, exactly, is promoting public health activity? How should we promote public health? Whose values are most important? Which theories can help inform health promoting practice? Theory and Research in Promoting Public Health is an important text that addresses these questions, exploring the key concepts, debates and issues involved in multi-disciplinary public health. The book considers the complex and diverse nature of public health and helps readers critically appraise the theories, research and policies that inform multidisciplinary public health practice. This timely and comprehensive book: " considers the wide range of settings, people and methods that are involved in public health activities " introduces key theoretical perspectives " shows how research and knowledge directly inform public health interventions " provides an analysis of how research can be used in the planning and evaluation of public health initiatives. " encourages critical awareness and reflection. Theory and Research in Promoting Public Health will be a core text for those studying public health and health promotion across a wide range of health and social care disciplines. It will also be an invaluable resource for professionals and training organisations involved in promoting public health.