This book is designed to present a diverse collection of chapters focusing on issues most affecting minority women's health. The intent in each chapter is to discuss the state of knowledge and the most current research, education and practice on that topic. Many topics significant to minority women's health are included in this book, and there are others that might have been, or that might be included in a succeeding publication.

This book is organized into four sections: African American Women's Health, Asian American Women's Health, Hispanic American Women's Health, and Diversity in Women's Health. Following the introduction, which provides a brief overview, each chapter presents issues and perspectives on a specific topic related to that section. A short epilogue with a review of main research implications concludes the book.

This book purports to offer practical and useful information on a variety of topics. However, more research is needed on minority women's health. Current issues in research, education and practice will continue to provide new challenges and solutions. Contemporary and future researchers are encouraged to get involved and participate in these meaningful and worthwhile opportunities.

About the editors

Darlene Yee-Melichar, EdD, CHES, is Professor of Gerontology and Coordinator of Long-Term Care Administration at San Francisco State University. Her research interests in healthy aging, long-term care administration, and minority women's health are reflected in 2 books; 80 journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and technical reports. As an active Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, she currently chairs the Task Force on Minority Issues in Gerontology. She has been active on the National Institutes of Health Advisory Committee for Research on Women's Health, and chaired the Department of Health and Human Services Minority Women's Health Panel of Experts.

Andrea Renwanz Boyle, DNSc, RN, BC is Associate Professor of Nursing and Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at San Francisco State University. She has worked in primary care for 33 years providing health care and women's health care to adults in medical and family practice settings. She is Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and holds memberships in national nurse practitioner organizations. Her current research is focused on nursing student and nursing clinician perceptions and utilization of evidence-based nursing practice. Her research findings have been presented at numerous national and international scientific meetings.