Handbook of Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health »

Wingood, Gina M., ScD, MPH; DiClemente, Ralph J., PhD

The subject of women's sexual and reproductive health has been surrounded in a mantle of silence. This silence is pervasive in women's lives and is manifested by the difficulty in discussing or disseminating information regarding women's sexuality in our families, our relationships, and in society as a whole. This volume is designed to motivate and engage scientists, policy makers, and practitioners to greater scientific discourse, reduce the stigma and validate the importance of women's sexual and reproductive health.
The editors and contributors bring the topic of women's sexual and reproductive health to the forefront in a useful and intellectually stimulating manner, and include a wealth of knowledge and current information on:

-epidemiology;

-social and behavioral correlates;

-effective intervention and prevention strategies; and

-health policies relating to women's sexual and reproductive health.

The use of a multidisciplinary perspective, bringing together historians, anthropologists, psychologists, sociologists, epidemiologists, public health researchers, genetic counselors, attorneys, demographers, journalists, social workers, nurses and physicians, allows for comprehensive coverage that will benefit women's health advocates, students, and practitioners.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This book provides a complete examination of the major topics involved in women's sexual and reproductive health and is supported by current cutting-edge research from notable members across disciplines.
Purpose:The purpose of the book is to inform readers about the most current and relevant information regarding the epidemiological, social, and behavioral influences along with effective intervention and prevention strategies related to women's sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, the authors and editors hope to improve the science of prevention and improve the quality of women's lives. These are undoubtedly worthy objectives.
Audience:As the book is comprised of contributors from multidisciplinary areas such as psychology, anthropology, public health, medicine, nursing, and epidemiology, anyone involved or interested in women's sexual and reproductive health and the many issues surrounding it will find this book of clear benefit. The editors and contributors are credible authorities and have produced a worthwhile contribution to not only the field of psychology but to many other disciplines as well.
Features:The book is divided into 23 chapters with the first nine chapters covering the historical, developmental, and social influences on women's sexual and reproductive health. Media influences, alcohol, religious beliefs, and gendered norms are focused upon as well. Additionally, the epidemiological, psychological, prevention, and policy issues in the following ten chapters cover such topics as women's body images, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, menopause, and sexual dysfunction. The ethical and legal issues examined in the last four chapters of the book are a must read. A highlight of this book is the chapter on mass media and adolescent female sexuality.
Assessment:This is a worthwhile and highly beneficial book and will be of definite interest to all researchers and clinicians who seek greater knowledge and awareness of women's sexual and reproductive health.

I: Historical, Social and Developmental Influences in Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health
Chapter 1 Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health: An Overview; G.M. Wingood, et al
Chapter 2 Historical Influences on Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health; A. Tone
Chapter 3 Adolescent Girls' Sexual Development; J.A. Graver, J. Brooks-Gunn
Chapter 4 The Social Organization of Women's Sexuality; J. Mahay, E.O. Laumann
Chapter 5 Cultural Influences on Women's Sexual Health; H. Amaro, et al
Chapter 6 Mass Media and Adolescent Female Sexuality; J.D. Brown, S.R. Stern
Chapter 7 Family Influences on Adolescent Females' Sexual Health; R.A. Crosby, K.S. Miller
Chapter 8 Illicit Drug Use and Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health; K. Theall, et al
Chapter 9 Alcohol Use and Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health; M. Windle, R.C. Windle
II: Epidemiologic, Psychological, Prevention and Policy Issues in Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health
Chapter 10 Women's Body Images; T.F. Cash
Chapter 11 Sexual Abuse; G.E. Wyatt, et al
Chapter 12 Chronic Pelvic Pain; A.J. Rapkin, M.L. Morgan
Chapter 13 Adolescent Pregnancy; L.S. Zabin, K.M. Cardona
Chapter 14 Sexually Transmitted Infections; S.O. Aral, P.M. Gorbach
chapter 15 HIV/AIDS; G.M. Wingood, R.J. DiClemente
Chapter 16 Sexual Dysfunction; N. Williams, S.L. Leiblum
Chapter 17 Cervical Cancer; C.M. McBride, D. Scholes
Chapter 18 Breast Cancer; R.A. Smith, D. Saslow
Chapter 19 Menopause; N.E. Avis, et al
III: Technological and Ethical Issues in Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health
Chapter 20 Contraceptive Technology; A. Foster-Rosales, F.H. Stewart
Chapter 21 Reproductive Health Technology and Genetic Counseling; J.H. Marks, M.H. Miller
Chapter 22 Legal and Ethical Issues Impacting Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health; S. Loue
Chapter 23 Woman's Sexual and Reproductive Health: Theory, Research and Practice; R.J. DiClemente, G.M. Wingood