Written in clear, nontechnical language, this investigation of drug resistance provides readers with an overview of the scientific issues, the current scope of the problem nationally and globally, and the measures that can be taken to combat this public health crisis. Drug resistance—the reduction in the effectiveness of a particular medicine (particularly antimicrobials) in treating a disease or condition—is considered one of the most pressing issues in medicine today. This problem is likely to have profound impacts on society in the decades to come. This understandable, single-volume book explores the history of drug resistance, explains how drug resistance occurs, cites the most problematic examples, identifies the potential consequences, and describes how drug resistance can be prevented. It also pays attention to current issues and controversies surrounding this topic, such as the role of the industrialized food system in breeding antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli. The coverage includes up-to-date information about specific diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for which drug resistance is a particular issue. Readers will understand how human behavior, such as patient non-adherence to treatment and physician over-prescription of antibiotics, have served to foster drug resistance. A selection of primary documents sourced from organizations such as the World Health Organization, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will serve those interested in pursuing more detailed research on particular topics.

Genetic testing has provided important clues to understanding our health, but it has also raised many ethical, legal, and medical questions and concerns. This book explores the breadth of genetic testing, its possibilities, and the controversies that surround its use. The mapping of the human genome has paved the way for a variety of genetic tests. Expectant mothers can have their fetus screened for a variety of genetic abnormalities, and couples worried that they might be carriers for a genetic disorder can be tested before deciding to have children. Women can be screened for the BRCA2 gene that has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Individuals curious about their ancestry can find out more about their heritage. Genetic testing can also be used to establish paternity and help solve crimes. Part of Greenwood's Health and Medical Issues Today series, this book is divided into three sections. Part I explores the history of genetic testing, including the rise of direct-to-consumer tests, and outlines the current applications and contexts in which genetic testing is performed. Part II delves deep into the ethical, legal, financial, medical, and psychological issues and controversies that surround genetic testing. Part III provides a variety of useful materials, including case studies, a timeline of critical events, and a directory of resources. Explores genetic testing in a multitude of contexts and settings, including prenatal screenings, at-home direct-to-consumer health and ancestry tests, and paternity tests Examines key ethical, financial, legal, and medical issues related to genetic testing, such as genetic discrimination in insurance coverage, pregnancy termination, and test accuracy Offers illuminating case studies that use engaging real-world scenarios to highlight key ideas and debates discussed in the book Provides readers with a helpful Directory of Resources to guide their search for additional information

Transgender individuals face unique challenges when it comes to their physical, psychological, and social health and well-being. This accessible reference investigates these concerns in depth, offering readers insights into topics such as discrimination and access to health care. Although transgender individuals have always existed, their fight for acceptance and equal rights is just beginning. Within this larger context, one area of emerging concern is their health-physical, psychological, and social. From legislation determining public restroom access to insurance coverage of hormone therapy for transitioning individuals to harassment and discrimination, transgender people face a number of challenges that can negatively affect their well-being. A part of Greenwood's Health and Medical Issues Today series, Part I of this book explores definitions of sex and gender, the history of transgender awareness and activism, physical and psychological health concerns specific to transgender individuals, and how identifying as transgender can have different effects on individuals' health at different stages in their life. Part II examines issues and controversies related to the health and well-being of transgender individuals. Part III provides a variety of useful materials, including case studies, a timeline of critical events, a glossary, and a directory of resources. Confronts a topic that has historically been ignored by researchers and public health officials Examines key issues that affect transgender individuals, such as discrimination and access to health services Offers illuminating case studies that use engaging real-world scenarios to highlight key ideas and debates discussed in the book Provides a Directory of Resources to guide readers to reliable sources of additional information

Secondary data play an increasingly important role in epidemiology and public health research and practice; examples of secondary data sources include national surveys such as the BRFSS and NHIS, claims data for the Medicare and Medicaid systems, and public vital statistics records. Although a wealth of secondary data is available, it is not always easy to locate and access appropriate data to address a research or policy question. This practical guide circumvents these difficulties by providing an introduction to secondary data and issues specific to its management and analysis, followed by an enumeration of major sources of secondary data in the United States. Entries for each data source include the principal focus of the data, years for which it is available, history and methodology of the data collection process, and information about how to access the data and supporting materials, including relevant details about file structure and format.

Need to learn statistics as part of your job, or want help passing a statistics course? Statistics in a Nutshell is a clear and concise introduction and reference for anyone who's new to the subject. This book gives you a solid understanding of statistics without being too simple, yet without the numbing complexity of most college texts. Each chapter in this thoroughly revised and expanded edition presents easy-to-follow descriptions illustrated by graphics, formulas, and lots of solved examples. Before you know it, you'll learn to apply statistical reasoning and statistical techniques, from basic concepts of probability and hypothesis testing to multivariate analysis.Statistics in a Nutshell includes: Introductory material - Learn basic concepts of measurement and probability theory, data management for statistical analysis, research design and experimental design, how to write up your own results, and how to critique statistics presented by others Basic inferential statistics - Discover the concepts of hypothesis testing, simple correlation, the distinction between parametric and nonparametric statistics, and learn simple methods of analysis appropriate to dichotomous, categorical, and continuous variables Advanced inferential techniques - Learn the General Linear Model, including analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression, and logistic and multinomial regression Specialized techniques - Use and interpret business and quality improvement statistics, medical and public health statistics, and educational and psychological statistics If you need to know how to perform most common statistical analyses, and how to use a wide range of statistical techniques without getting in over your head, this is the book for you.

Secondary data play an increasingly important role in epidemiology and public health research and practice; examples of secondary data sources include national surveys such as the BRFSS and NHIS, claims data for the Medicare and Medicaid systems, and public vital statistics records. Although a wealth of secondary data is available, it is not always easy to locate and access appropriate data to address a research or policy question. This practical guide circumvents these difficulties by providing an introduction to secondary data and issues specific to its management and analysis, followed by an enumeration of major sources of secondary data in the United States. Entries for each data source include the principal focus of the data, years for which it is available, history and methodology of the data collection process, and information about how to access the data and supporting materials, including relevant details about file structure and format.