Social Work in Public Health

Social Work in Public Health is dedicated to publication of original research, research methods, policy, and practice in the fields of social work, public health, and other health related fields. The mission of the journal is to publish rigorous research that is related to practice and policy. We welcome research that is intersectional in nature that is affected by social, political, and economic factors. Social Work in Public Health is interested in publishing rigorous quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, conceptual papers, and literature reviews. The journal regularly publishes editorials and evidence-based commentaries that focus on intervention and prevention, health services, health systems, policy-relevant topics, and social justice issues related to health.

Both the Journal Editor and Associate Editors provide guidance to ensure that Social Work in Public Health  brings practitioners the high-quality research and knowledge they require to make well-informed decisions related to awareness, health promotion, prevention, and intervention. By integrating conceptual and practical considerations, Social Work in Public Health enables authors from all health-related disciplines to examine health and social policy issues, concerns, and questions with a focus on implications for practitioners and scholars in social work and public health.

This valuable resource also presents leading policymakers, community leaders, and individuals affected by public health and social policies a forum to discuss and debate contemporary issues and their impact, giving readers special insight into policy formulation.

Social work and public health are critically important fields that play a vital role in promoting individual well-being, community health, and societal advancement. Your research should advance or contribute to the following:

• Improving Health Outcomes: Social work and public health professionals work to identify and address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, housing, and access to healthcare. By focusing on prevention and intervention strategies, they can help improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in health.
• Advocacy and Social Justice: Social workers and public health professionals advocate for policies and programs that promote equity, social justice, and human rights. They work to address systemic barriers to health and well-being, advocating for marginalized and underserved populations.
• Community Engagement and Empowerment: Both fields emphasize community engagement and empowerment, encouraging individuals and communities to participate in decision-making processes that affect their health and well-being. By involving communities in the planning and implementation of programs, social work and public health professionals can create sustainable, culturally relevant interventions.
• Prevention and Health Promotion: Social work and public health focus on prevention and health promotion strategies to reduce the burden of disease and improve quality of life. By advocating for healthy behaviors, early intervention, and population-level initiatives, they can prevent illness and promote wellness.

Social work and public health professionals conduct research and evaluation studies to assess the effectiveness of interventions, identify best practices, and generate evidence-based solutions to public health issues. This research informs policy decisions, program development, and practice guidelines in both fields.

Types of articles that will be published in Social Work in Public Health  include:

• the best scientific research in the fields of public health and social work;
• a platform for diverse viewpoints on social and public health issues, practices, and policies;
• transdisciplinary perspectives on research that informs policy development for individuals from minoritized backgrounds;
• articles that are centered on a particular theme or subject, such as homelessness, HIV/AIDS, or the economic costs of illness and health policy;
• articles that explore health disparities such as e.g., maternal-child health disparities; and
• articles that explore the culturally relevant factors that influence health behaviors among marginalized groups.

We invite scholars from health-related disciplines who will contribute scholarship to social work and public health research, practice, methods, and theory.

Please note: 

Each manuscript must include a substantive and rigorous integration regarding the intersection of social work and public health for practice, research, theory, and/or policy as it relates to their topic. This requirement can be accomplished by including the aforementioned elements throughout the body of their manuscript or in a specific section (e.g., Discussion and Implications) of the submitted manuscript. Any submitted manuscripts that lack a clear and substantive integration of social work and no discernable implications for the social work and public health professions will be advised to revise and resubmit to include a greater focus on social work and public health. 

Social Work in Public Health recognizes that your work is profoundly affected by public and social policy issues. Thus, we strongly encourage you to read and contribute to this practical and informative journal.

Peer Review Policy: All accepted papers in this journal have undergone editorial screening and double-anonymous peer review.

Publication office: Taylor & Francis, Inc., 530 Walnut Street, Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Authors can choose to publish gold open access in this journal.

Read the Instructions for Authors for information on how to submit your article.