"During the last few years, theory and research on the role of biobehavioral and sociocultural factors in the prevention of illness and the maintenance of health have increased exponentially. Research clearly implicates gender, sociocultural, and environmental variables as potential influences associated with mental and physical health across the life span." "This new handbook illustrates the influence of these factors on the health practices and risk factors for health problems in diverse groups of people. Contributions from leading researchers in psychology, health, and epidemiology provide an interdisciplinary approach to the topic. In addition to epidemiological issues, this book discusses the view that public health policy and programs must be individually tailored to specific groups to maximize their effectiveness." "Featuring the latest information for understanding how diverse groups of people perceive and respond to issues relating to their health, this handbook should prove to be a valuable resource to a wide range of practitioners and researchers in psychology, medicine, psychiatry, sociology, social work, nursing, exercise science, and counseling."--Jacket.