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Making the case for a 'fifth wave' in public health
P Hanlon1, S Carlisle1, M Hannah2
1Public Health & Health Policy, Division of Community-based Sciences, Medical School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK.
Public Health
|January 25, 2011
Summary
The UK
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- History of Medicine
Background:
- The UK has experienced distinct phases of public health advancement since the Industrial Revolution.
- Each phase correlates with significant shifts in societal and health paradigms.
Observation:
- Four historical 'waves' of public health improvement are identified, each with unique characteristics.
- These waves are linked to public works, medical advancements, social institutional redesign, and risk factor management.
- Current challenges include obesity, inequality, and wellbeing loss, exacerbated by unsustainable exponential growth.
Findings:
- Public health evolution is characterized by distinct, impactful phases or 'waves'.
- Each subsequent wave builds upon, but does not fully replace, the impact of previous ones.
- A fifth wave of public health is necessary to address contemporary and future challenges.
Implications:
- Future public health strategies must radically differ from historical models.
- Addressing complex issues like obesity, inequality, and wellbeing requires innovative approaches.
- Urgent consideration of sustainable growth models is critical for long-term public health success.
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