Handbook of Health Promotion and Health Literacy

This handbook offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of health promotion and health literacy across the life course, social contexts, and population groups. Bringing together theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and practice-based insights, the book situates health promotion within broader contexts of equity, human rights, sustainability, and social justice.The opening chapters set the conceptual foundations by examining health promotion through multiple perspectives such as intersectionality, human rights, life course theory, and the social determinants of health. The volume then advances key hypotheses and models of health behaviour change, highlighting structural drivers of health inequalities and the critical role of community participation in shaping effective health promotion strategies. Attention is also given to the integration of traditional healthcare practices and the challenges and opportunities of health-promoting settings, including universities and schools.Another focus of the book is health literacy, explored in depth through cultural, social, behavioral, and critical perspectives. Chapters address social capital, sustainability, health and well-being promoting behavior, and knowledge construction, with particular emphasis on low and middle-income countries and under privileged populations. There are chapters that examine cancer literacy, vaccine literacy, and digital and mobile health literacy as tools for reducing health disparities.The latter sections of the book present diverse applications and interventions in health promotion and health literacy, spanning perinatal health, nutrition, mental health, caregiving, aging, neurodiversity, occupational health, and sports. Community-based and participatory approaches—such as mindfulness programs, peer support initiatives, applied theatre, ecosystem-based models, and culturally grounded healing practices—demonstrate how theory can be translated into practice across varied social and cultural settings.Overall, this volume serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners in public health, health promotion, health education, and related fields. By bridging theory, research, and practice, it offers critical insights and practical guidance for advancing health promotion and health literacy in diverse and evolving contexts.