AIDS and Adolescents

Originally published in 1997, Aids and Adolescents provided an insight into a wide range of adolescent issues which were rarely compiled in one volume at the time. Much of the HIV epidemic response had been at the individual level in the hope that this narrow focus would provide the key to containment and resolution of spread. However, over the ten years since the epidemic had taken hold, it was clear that paradigms were limited, input was uncritical and large cohorts were overlooked. In this text a series of contributions have been compiled to explore adolescent issues ranging from sexual behaviour and health education campaigns to HIV prevention and HIV/AIDS care.

The chapters begin by giving an overview of adolescent problems, such as homelessness, pregnancy and gender, and explore why these problems are so often overlooked. We then move on to an examination of the facts and fictions associated with adolescent risk, challenging some of the basic current notions underpinning approaches to the subject at the time. Also included are particular focused studies of Australian adolescents’ beliefs about HIV and STDs and also the American adolescents’ perceptions of drug injection.

Finally, the volume gives a focused view of those with HIV infection, with a review of findings of the time, neuropsychological and psychological factors. This overview provided some comments on merging issues and future directions. Today it can be read in its historical context.