title: Old myths, new myths: challenging myths in public health.
abstract: Myths are widely held beliefs and are frequently perpetuated through telling and retelling. We examined 10 myths in public health research and practice. Where possible, we traced their origins, interrogated their current framing in relation to the evidence, and offered possible alternative ways of thinking about them. These myths focus on the nature of public health and public health interventions, and the nature of evidence in public health. Although myths may have some value, they should not be privileged in an evidence-informed public health context.
authors.affiliation: Sarah M. Viehbeck holds an adjunct appointment with the School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario. Mark Petticrew and Steven Cummins are with the Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Viehbeck
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petticrew
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cummins
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D011057:Politics; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013240:Stereotyping