Public health perspectives on the family: an ecological approach to promoting health in the family and community.

The family, as a setting of practice, is increasingly recognized as critical to health promotion. A better understanding of the nature and process through which families take an active part in their own health can serve as the basis for designing and linking health interventions with public health programs. The integrating function of the family, viewed through an ecological context, makes it an effective entry point and central focus in health promotion.