Behavioral and social sciences and public health at CDC
Deborah Holtzman1, M Neumann, E Sumartoj
1Office of Scientific Regulatory Services, Office of the Chief Science Officer, CDC, MS D-50, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. dxh4@cdc.gov
MMWR Supplements
|December 22, 2006
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) increasingly recognized behavioral and social sciences
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Social Science
Background:
- The CDC's mission historically overlooked behavioral and social sciences.
- Growing awareness of behavior-linked diseases prompted a shift.
Observation:
- New CDC centers focused on conditions with behavioral risks were established.
- Behavioral and social scientists were initially concentrated in these centers.
Findings:
- The Behavioral and Social Sciences Working Group (BSSWG) was established in 1995.
- BSSWG aimed to integrate these disciplines into CDC research and practice.
Implications:
- The application of behavioral and social sciences has been successful in public health.
- BSSWG continues as a formal organization within the CDC Office of the Director.
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