Ecosystems and Human Health : A Critical Approach to Ecohealth Research and Practice

Ecosystems and Human Health A Critical Approach to Ecohealth Research and Practice Crescentia Dakubo The magnitude of current epidemics, environmental disasters, and extreme weather events is proving that human health problems require more comprehensive solutions than conventional biomedical approaches can offer. At the intersection of the public and community health, global health, and environmental fields, Ecohealth advocates improved health outcomes through better ecosystems management. But even as the Ecohealth approach gains acceptance, literature on the subject is scarce. Ecosystems and Human Health introduces Ecohealth as an emerging field of study, traces its evolution, and explains its applications in cross-disciplinary and holistic programs. Its integrative approach not only focuses on managing the environment to improve health, but also analyzes underlying social and economic determinants of health to develop innovative, people-centered interventions. This unique text: ́Ø Expands on the theoretical systems that underlie Ecohealth. ́Ø Examines the relationships between human health and the biophysical, political, cultural, and socioeconomic environments. ́Ø Discusses the methodological issues and the participatory action research process associated with Ecohealth. ́Ø Provides detailed case studies illustrating the approach in developing and developed areas of the world. ́Ø Suggests applications of Ecohealth methods to influence public health policy. ́Ø Offers practical tools for readers designing and carrying out Ecohealth projects. ́Ø Proposes a critical approach to Ecohealth research and practice. Ecohealth holds vital keys to pressing global concerns, giving Ecosystems and Human Health a particular urgency for researchers, students, policymakers, and community and public health practitioners. Crescentia Dakubo The Magnitude Of Current Epidemics, Environmental Disasters, And Extreme Weather Events Is Proving That Human Health Problems Require More Comprehensive Solutions Than Conventional Biomedical Approaches Can Offer. At The Intersection Of The Public And Community Health, Global Health, And Environmental Fields, Ecohealth Advocates Improved Health Outcomes Through Better Ecosystems Management. But Even As The Ecohealth Approach Gains Acceptance, Literature On The Subject Is Scarce. Ecosystems And Human Health Introduces Ecohealth As An Emerging Field Of Study, Traces Its Evolution, And Explains Its Applications In Cross-disciplinary And Holistic Programs. Its Integrative Approach Not Only Focuses On Managing The Environment To Improve Health, But Also Analyzes Underlying Social And Economic Determinants Of Health To Develop Innovative, People-centered Interventions. ... Ecohealth Holds Vital Keys To Pressing Global Concerns, Giving Ecosystems And Human Health A Particular Urgency For Researchers, Students, Policymakers, And Community And Public Health Practitioners. Pt. I. Ecohealth : The Ecosystem Approach To Human Health -- 1. Exploring The Linkages Between Ecosystems And Human Health -- 2. Evolution Towards An Ecosystem Approach To Public Health -- 3. Ecosystem Approaches To Human Health : Key Concepts And Principles -- -- Pt. Ii. Methodological Approaches And Processes For Conducting Ecohealth Research -- 4. Community-based Participatory Research For Ecohealth -- 5. The Process Of Conducting An Ecohealth Research Project : A Participatory Action Research Approach -- -- Pt. Iii. Case Studies : Application Of The Ecohealth Approach -- 6. Applying An Ecosystem Approach To Community Health Research In Ghana : A Case Study -- 7. Planning For A Healthy Community : A Case Study -- Phase Ii -- 8. Challenges And Ethical Dilemmas In Conducting Participatory Ecohealth Research -- 9. Ecosystem Approaches To Indigenous Health -- 10. Policy Frameworks On Health And Environment Linkages -- -- Pt. Iv. A Critical Approach To Ecohealth Research And Practice -- 11. Applying Critical Theory To Environment And Health Issues -- 12. Examining Environmental Problems From A Critical Perspective -- 13. Examining Public Health Concerns From A Critical Perspective -- 14. Towards A Critical Approach To Ecohealth Research And Practice Crescentia Y. Dakubo. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Exploring the Linkages Between Ecosystems and Human Health....Pages 3-19 Evolution Towards an Ecosystem Approach to Public Health....Pages 21-36 Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health: Key Concepts and Principles....Pages 37-53 Front Matter....Pages 55-55 Community-Based Participatory Research for Ecohealth....Pages 57-69 The Process of Conducting an Ecohealth Research Project: A Participatory Action Research Approach....Pages 71-85 Front Matter....Pages 87-87 Applying an Ecosystem Approach to Community Health Research in Ghana: A Case Study....Pages 89-108 Planning for a Healthy Community: A Case Study – Phase II....Pages 109-128 Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas in Conducting Participatory Ecohealth Research....Pages 129-140 Ecosystem Approaches to Indigenous Health....Pages 141-158 Policy Frameworks on Health and Environment Linkages....Pages 159-174 Front Matter....Pages 175-175 Applying Critical Theory to Environment and Health Issues....Pages 177-184 Examining Environmental Problems from a Critical Perspective....Pages 185-197 Examining Public Health Concerns from a Critical Perspective....Pages 199-205 Towards a Critical Approach to Ecohealth Research and Practice....Pages 207-221 Back Matter....Pages 223-233