The Encyclopedia of Public Health is a reference set of four volumes covering all aspects of public health

Public health

Public health is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals" . It is concerned with threats to health based on population health...

 for the lay reader. It covers infectious diseases and other topics related to public health, such as causes of injury

Injury

-By cause:*Traumatic injury, a body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury, as from violence or accident*Other injuries from external physical causes, such as radiation injury, burn injury or frostbite*Injury from infection...

 or chronic diseases. The 900 articles are written by experts in this domain.

Topics indirectly related but relevant to public health, such as the oath of Hippocrates

Hippocrates

Hippocrates of Cos or Hippokrates of Kos was an ancient Greek physician of the Age of Pericles , and is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine...

, are covered. Controversial subjects are not avoided; an article on armed forces alcohol and drug abuse

Drug abuse

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. The term "drug abuse" does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in nonmedical contexts...

 programs is followed by an article on arms control

Arms control

Arms control is an umbrella term for restrictions upon the development, production, stockpiling, proliferation, and usage of weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction...

.

It has received the CHOICE 2002 award for Outstanding Academic Reference Title and has been listed in the Booklist

Booklist

Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...

/Reference Book Bulletin Editor's Choice of Outstanding Reference titles.