Psychosocial Effects of Screening for Disease Prevention and Detection

As screening programs for HIV, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gene abnormalities and other risk factors continue to proliferate, questions continue to be raised about the impact of these programs on the emotions and behaviour of participants. Now, for the first time, the widely scattered body of research on the effects of risk factor screening is comprehensively reviewed and evaluated. An international team of recognized experts summariszes and discusses what is known about the psychosocial consequences of risk factor testing. The volume is essential reading for professionals and policymakers concerned with the prevention of acute and chronic disease.

As screening programs for HIV, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gene abnormalities and other risk factors continue to proliferate, questions continue to be raised about the impact of these programs on the emotions and behaviour of participants. Now, for the first time the widely scattered body of research on the effects of risk factor screening is comprehensively reviewed and evaluated. An international team of recognized experts summarizes and discusses what is known about the psychosocial consequences of risk factor testing.