摘要：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. Myths are “beliefs held to be true despite substantial refuting evidence.” 1 (p447) They are frequently perpetuated through telling and retelling and periodically there is a need to “bust” myths by examining them in relation to current evidence. In the public health context, this has been done for myths about systematic reviews, 2,3 tobacco control, 4 and obesity. 1
