Reviewer: Kathryn A Ross, BS, MSN (Haverford College)
Description: A detailed table of contents at the beginning of the book outlines the 17 chapters and divides them into four distinct parts of public health nutrition: the foundation, cultural aspects, community components, and challenges. Each chapter thoroughly covers the outlined topic with learning objectives, a key concepts section, at least one case study with subsequent questions, suggested learning activities, reflection questions, resources for continued learning, and a comprehensive glossary. Within the main text of the chapter, clear figures, tables, and boxes expand on the presented information. Important definitions are conveniently identifiable in bold print, and complex information is broken down with bullet points and numbered lists. A preface at the beginning of the book provides information for qualified instructors to gain access to additional material. The text is paired with online access to downloadable PDFs for each chapter, hyperlinked references, and a keyword search function.
Purpose: With a critical public health lens, the book takes a comprehensive look at the access to, sustainability of, and health outcomes associated with healthy food and nutrition. Public health nutrition is a necessary component of community health and development, and the topics covered in this book are valuable to all health-related fields. Incorporating appropriate assessment and planning to meet current and future challenges with public health nutrition, the book provides necessary instruction and guidance for individuals interested in public health, nutrition, or community wellness and development. Value is added through the online presentation of the book with figures and tables in color and direct hyperlinks to continuous learning resources. The book and website meet these worthy objectives.
Audience: Intended for upper-level students and professionals in the fields of nutrition and public health, the book meets the needs of its audience with substantial real-world examples and interactive educational elements. Although it is intended for graduate students and upper undergraduate students, the extensive learning aids make the information accessible to students new to the field and with minimal background in public health or nutrition. With noteworthy experience as authors, coauthors, and editors, as well as individual backgrounds in nutrition, epidemiology, and public health, the three editors of the book collectively deliver credible information and data on public health nutrition. An extensive list of contributors with varying professional roles and educational backgrounds in the fields of public health, nutrition, and food systems have aided the editors in the reliable compilation of this book.
Features: The book includes global, rural, and urban viewpoints related to public health nutrition covering topics ranging from disease prevention to food sustainability and community planning. Clear learning objectives paired with key concepts and reflection questions invite readers to gain a deeper understanding from each chapter. Most notable of the book's many unique aspects, readers are encouraged to continue their learning with real-world case studies, case study specific questions, and supplemental suggested learning activities. Made up of multiple educational features, information equally available on the website, and additional materials for educators, the book does not have any apparent shortcomings.
Assessment: Incorporating multiple health fields and various viewpoints of public health nutrition, the book has information that is both compelling and useful for individuals from a range of health fields. The clarity of writing and extensive educational materials at the end of each chapter add to the impressive pedagogical quality of the book and make this a valuable text to students of all education levels. The Nutrition Society Textbook Series (Wiley-Blackwell) includes a comparable public health nutrition title with a second edition and an accompanying website that provides students with better educational features such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay-style questions.