Book Review: Chronic Diseases: An Encyclopedia of Causes, Effects, and Treatments

Abstract

This two-volume set organizes an array of chronic diseases and disorders into 323 concise entries, clearly described in lay language. Topics related to prevention, therapies, and societal factors such as poverty and health disparities are also included. Entries are mostly two to three pages long and are divided into categories such as “Overview,” “Symptoms,” “Causes and Risk Factors,” “Diagnosis,” “Prevention,” “Prognosis and Outcomes,” and “Future.” Entries are signed and contributor credentials are provided. Many authors are educators or writers experienced in communicating health information to the general public; some are medical professionals. “Further reading” lists at the end of each entry reference books and articles, many of which are freely available online. There is also a “Recommended Resources” section listing numerous books and websites for researchers seeking reputable sources that are relatively free of medical terminology and scholarly language.