Old myths, new myths: Challenging myths in public health

S.M. Viehbeck, M. Petticrew and S. Cummins

American Journal of Public Health, 2015, vol. 105, issue 4, 665-669

Abstract: Myths are widely held beliefs and are frequently perpetuated through telling and retelling. We examined 10 myths in public health research and practice. Where possible, we traced their origins, interrogated their current framing in relation to the evidence, and offered possible alternative ways of thinking about them. These myths focus on the nature of public health and public health interventions, and the nature of evidence in public health. Although myths may have some value, they should not be privileged in an evidence-informed public health context. © 2014 American Public Health Association Inc.

Keywords: economics; evidence based medicine; human; information dissemination; organization and management; politics; preventive medicine; procedures; public health service; research; stereotyping, Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Information Dissemination; Politics; Preventive Medicine; Public Health Practice; Research; Stereotyping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302433_3

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302433

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