Behavioral Economics of Health

We are not as rational as the mainstream economic theory assumes us to be. Quite often, we make decisions and take actions that we know are not in our best interest. It is wrong to assume as the extant economic theory does, that individuals have the mental capacity to gather and process the huge amount of information and choices at their disposal. At the same time, our tastes and preferences are easily manipulated by advertising and the opinions of others. This makes behavioral economics a richer and more realistic set of tools for understanding and manipulating human and social behavior than traditional economic theory. The book Behavioral Economics of Health explains the tools of behavioral economics and how applying them helps to achieve an effective and efficient healthcare system that ensures sustainable wellness. Prof. Uwem Essia is an economist with many years of teaching, research, and consulting experience in economics, the management sciences, and related human development fields. He is currently engaged in private studies and publishing.