A Life Course Approach to Women's Health

Abstract

Abstract The field of life course epidemiology has seen extraordinary developments since this book was first published. While recent advances in evidence allow for more comprehensive and clearer understanding of the factors at work, the core questions remain. How far is the health of women shaped by biological, social, and psychological processes that begin in prenatal development, childhood, adolescence, or early adult life? To what extent do health risks gradually accumulate over the life course or do experiences as a child and young adult have interactive effects on health in midlife and beyond? How have the circumstances and health of women changed across generations? Contributors to this edition draw on their extensive and varied expertise to assess the latest scientific evidence on biological and social factors at each stage of life across an array of outcomes. Previous chapters on life course influences on reproductive outcomes, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal ageing, depression, and body weight have been updated and extended. This edition also highlights areas that have seen rapid developments in science and technology, the role of underlying societal power structures, and the implications of adopting life course approaches in practice and policy. New chapters have been added on endometriosis, lung function, cognition, gynaecological cancer, integrative omics, structural sexism, gender-based violence, health services use, and Knowledge Translation. This book presents the latest evidence and perspectives on life course epidemiology essential for all those interested in understanding and improving the health and well-being of current and future generations of women.