Psychosocial epidemiology: key concepts and methods

Kawachi, I., Steptoe, A., Batty, G. D. and Kivimäki, M. (2018) Psychosocial epidemiology: key concepts and methods. In: Kivimäki, M., Batty, G. D., Steptoe, A. and Kawachi, I. (eds.) The Routledge International Handbook of Psychosocial Epidemiology. Series: Routledge international handbooks. Routledge, pp. 3-20. ISBN 9781138942547

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Publisher's URL: https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-International-Handbook-of-Psychosocial-Epidemiology/Kivimaki-Batty-Kawachi-Steptoe/p/book/9781315673097

Abstract

In this introductory chapter of The Routledge International Handbook of Psychosocial Epidemiology, we describe the concepts and methods used in the study of psychosocial factors, health and disease, including study designs to obtain robust information and minimise bias. In addition, we discuss the various strategies as well as the challenges of translating evidence into population health improvement. As living standards have improved, absolute deprivation in the material sense (e.g. lacking food and shelter for survival) has receded, at least in high-income countries. Regulatory standards also protect populations from the threat of pollution, contaminated food, and workplace physical hazards. In western societies, risk and protective factors for health are therefore becoming increasingly psychosocial in nature rather than physical. It is within this milieu that psychosocial epidemiology, a discipline linking psychological, social and medical sciences, has flourished. Opportunities for such research are now better than ever before. Assessment of psychosocial factors, such as social relations, life stresses and mood, has become easier with the development of digital survey technology and improved availability of information on social environments, both of which can be linked to individual medical records. The advent of electronic health records and wearable devices provides researchers with a practical way to monitor a person’s health over time and to identify those who are at risk of developing chronic conditions. We contend that psychosocial epidemiology is a growing scientific discipline, both in terms of discovery (i.e. as a study of disease causation and mechanisms) and delivery (as a study of cost-effective interventions).

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Batty, Dr G
Authors: Kawachi, I., Steptoe, A., Batty, G. D., and Kivimäki, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Publisher:Routledge
ISBN:9781138942547

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