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First prize in British Medical Association public health book awards

12 September 2006

Professor Sir Michael Marmot and Professor Richard Wilkinson (UCL International Institute for Society & Health) last night received the first prize in the 2006 British Medical Association public health book awards for the second edition of 'Social Determinants of Health', published by Oxford University Press.

The award programme described the book as an authoritative overview of the social and economic factors which are known to be the most powerful determinants of population health in modern societies. The judges found that it provides accessible summaries of the scientific justification for isolating different aspects of social and economic life as the primary determinants of a population's health.

The new edition discusses recent research in the area and includes new chapters on ethnicity and health, sexual behaviours, the elderly, housing and neighbourhoods. It builds on the success of the first edition, which has become the primary textbook in its field.

The award panel was unstinting in its praise for the book: "Marmot is truly a master: together with Wilkinson, they have shown themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They have taken social determinants of health to the next level.

"This book is a 'must read' for all members of parliament, local councillors etc as an aide in governance, for equity to be achieved, and inequalities to be addressed. It is a must for public health professionals, for health promotion specialists, and for people working in the many fields of public policy which we now know make such an important contribution to health. It is a privilege to read this book."

The BMA Medical Book competition has been held annually since 1994, and aims to encourage and reward excellence in medical publishing and patient information. This year's awards attracted more than 550 entries competing for 88 prizes across a variety of categories.

To find out more, use the links at the bottom of this article.