Preventing AIDS

This book is devoted exclusively to the subject of developing effective programs to prevent the transmission of HIV infection. It describes the design, implementation, operation and evaluation of AIDS prevention programs. Unlike books on AIDS prevention that are limited to a particular group or risk behaviour, """"Preventing AIDS"""" approaches the health threat of HIV infection comprehensively and describes risk reduction programs targeted to gay and bisexual men, intravenous drug users, women, adolescents and racial and ethnic minorities, among others. To put AIDS prevention efforts on a sound theoretical and practical basis, the book draws on a large body of theory in social science and public health, on past experience with earlier epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases and on the actual experience of AIDS prevention programs throughout the United States. It reviews the fundamental concepts which should guide the process of developing prevention programs and client services that are appropriate for specific target groups and illustrates these concepts by using examples from actual programs. """"Preventing AIDS"""" also addresses the use of community resources to implement and support AIDS prevention initiatives and devotes an entire chapter to discussing the evaluation of AIDS prevention programs. The role of HIV testing as part of AIDS prevention programs likewise receives special attention.