Over the past few years, ever since the advent of HIV and AIDS, there has been increasing discussion of the concept of sexual health. This upsurge is especially noticeable not only in the field of health education and promotion but also in academic sources. The recent discourse on sexual health is paralleled by an upsurge in the debate on sexual rights. This book examines the social construction of sexual health in India through an analysis of HIV and AIDS messages. The broad objective of the chapters is to trace the growth and evolution of the concept of sexual health from a health communication perspective and to understand the role of the state in determining its form and structure. The methodology used includes comparative analysis of HIV and AIDS policies, document analysis on HIV and AIDS, poster and short films analysis, in depth and open-ended Interviews and case studies. The book shows that Sexual Health is constructed in various modes in India. The models that are elaborated are the Medical model that constructs HIV scientifically and in terms of a compromised immune system; the Epidemic model that identifies risk behaviours and transmission routes and the Moralistic model. Social constructions of AIDS as plague or punishment against society are advanced by moralists who equate HIV with taboo social and sexual behaviour and the political constructions highlights public health in the face of obstacles to treatment and the delivery of services to people living with HIV. Bringing together current research and discussions on the three areas of policy, practices and theoretical perspectives related to the use and social construction of sexual health through HIV and AIDS communication approaches with specific reference to India, this book will be of interest to academics in the field of health communication, HIV and AIDS, and South Asian Studies.

This book explores the normalization of HIV and AIDS, reflecting upon the intended and unintended consequences of the multifarious "AIDS industry." The Normalization of the HIV and AIDS Epidemic in South Africa deals with the manner in which the HIV and AIDS epidemic has become such a well-known disease with such wide-ranging ramifications. With its focus on the "AIDS industry," this book examines issues such as the framing of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in a manner that greatly fostered notions of stigmatization and moralization. This book looks at the complexities of dealing with the epidemic in contemporary South Africa, examining the difficulties of addressing the social aspects of a disease in the context of increased focus on technological quick-fix solutions. De Wet explores these issues thoroughly, looking at the social determinants of the spread of the disease as well as the configuration and the nature of the responses to it, and their increasing marginalization as factors to address in an era of increased biomedicalization and concomitant normalization. This book will intrigue scholars and students of public health, global health care, medical sociology, and African Studies.

Treating HIV with Nutrition

Nutrition and HIV addresses the issues of nutrition and HIV from the perspective of the patient as well as the physician. Everyone who is interested in the problems of--and solutions to--nutritional therapy in HIV owes it to themselves to read this book.
--Paul A. Volberding, M.D., director, Center for AIDS Research, San Francisco

This reference book offers a sound nutritional model for sustaining and improving quality of life for HIV positive men and women. It outlines an easy-to-follow program for the prevention and treatment of weight loss--a common problem that if left untreated could lead to serious health decline or even death.

The evolution ofdata about the HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome has been rapid. The syndrome itself is complex and controversial. Although great progress has been made in understanding epidemiology and etiology of the syndrome, much about the syndrome remains mysterious. It was our intention to assist HIV providers with a framework for understanding the status and complexities ofthe field. Each author was requested to provide an evidence-based discussion of a topic for which they have expertise. While it is impossible that such a volume be completely comprehensive, we believe that the approach of this book will allow the reader to develop a relatively complete snapshot of the syndrome. We also believe that the reader of this volume will be able to confront the emerging literature on the HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome with a critical eye and that the volume will provide a context in which to place additional data as they are published.

Mental Health Problems and HIV Infection provides an up-to-date overview of the mental health consequences and of the kind of psychological, psychopharmacological and community forms of intervention available to deal with the adverse psychological effects of HIV infection. Divided into three parts, the book examines psychological and brain-related consequences of HIV infection, key areas of intervention, and three areas of controversial debate: euthanasia, psychoimmunology and complementary therapies. Assuming no specialist psychological, psychiatric or medical knowledge, this book is important reading for caregivers and healthcare workers to HIV positive individuals and their families, nurses, psychologists and counsellors.

All over the world, families and communities are key providers of care and support. This is particularly true in relation to serious illnesses such as HIV and AIDS. Yet families and communities can also stigmatize their members, leaving people to die in the most appalling conditions. This book looks at the diversity of family and community responses to HIV and AIDS. By examining contexts as diverse as nuclear, extended and refugee family households, and gay community networks and structures, it offers important insight into the factors which lead to positive responses and those which trigger negative ones.

HIV and AIDS information on the Internet can be very overwhelming. HIV/AIDS Internet Information Sources and Resources organizes the information on the Internet about HIV and AIDS so you don?t have to. Don?t allow access to the most up-to-date HIV and AIDS-related Web sites be an impossible challenge! With HIV/AIDS Internet Information Sources and Resources, you?ll know where to go to educate yourself and those you care about in an effort to stop the spread of this disease.HIV/AIDS Internet Information Sources and Resources is guaranteed to help you find the best Web sites to answer questions you may have regarding HIV and AIDS. Even if what you are searching for isn?t in the main recommended Web sites, you?ll be directed to discussion and support destinations tailored to suit your needs. HIV/AIDS Internet Information Sources and Resources reviews, evaluates, and categorizes all HIV and AIDS related Web sites according to who designed the Web site, the type of information within the Web site, and the Web site target audience. You?ll find the details of the best HIV/ AIDS information about: women, children, adolescents and minorities websites created by organizations such as the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) news sites general HIV and AIDS sites, a profile of HIV insite drug therapy sites, including one for alternative medicine medical management and Internet library resourcesSome newer Web sites use unusual terminology you may have never heard before. HIV/AIDS Internet Information Sources and Resources clarifies this new language so you?ll understand exactly what is meant. You?ll never have to waste your time reading scattered articles about HIV and AIDS information on the Internet after buying your own copy of HIV/AIDS Internet Information Sources and Resources.

Men Who Sell Sex is the first comprehensive international account of male prostitution and AIDS. While much is known about female prostitution and sex work, relatively little is known about men who sell sex - either to women or other men. This book brings together an authoritative collection of essays from different countries and examines sexual behaviour, the reasons men sell sex, the meanings involved, and implications for HIV prevention. The authors are all experts in their fields and individual chapters offer a compelling description of the reasons men sell sex and the pleasures and risks involved.

First published in 1998.This text reviews current knowledge and research in key areas of adolescent sexuality, focusing on the implications of this for young people's sexual health. The book includes chapters on adolescent sexual knowledge, teenage relationships and sexual behaviour, HIV/AIDS education, sexual identity, peer education and the prevention of teenage pregnancy. The book is aimed at all those who work with young people, including those involved in health education, youth work, sex education and those in youth organisations. The book is written in straightforward language, with the aim of disseminating relevant research to all those who work with young people. The focus of the book is on understanding the implications of research in this area for young people's sexual health, risk reduction and education.

The way in which the Netherlands has responded to AIDS is arguably regarded as well organized and effective. This is possibly due to the timely and effective response to the threat of the disease, with a prevention programme starting in 1982. This book uses the Dutch example to provide an instructive case study for other countries with relevance for policy makers now and in the future. It documents and discusses the Dutch prevention policy, most specifically the prevention policies and activities for various target groups. It examines prevention research and studies on sexuality and health behaviour with the emphasis on individual responsibility.

Since nearly the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, activists have signaled the inadequacy of prevention strategies and drug protocols that have been developed from research done primarily on men. The latest C.D.C. figures prove they were right; for the first time since the beginning of the epidemic, AIDS cases among white men have fallen, yet the largest increases are among women.
Weaving together theoretical, critical, and practical perspectives, "Gendered Epidemic" is a collection of essays that questions the "add women and stir" model that governs most HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. The individual essays describe conflicts and contradictions, and pose new theories and practices. Written by HIV positive women, theorists, teachers, artists, policy makers and activists, it offers insights necessary to stem the spread of HIV.

Since nearly the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, activists have signaled the inadequacy of prevention strategies and drug protocols that have been developed from research done primarily on men. The latest C.D.C. figures prove they were right; for the first time since the beginning of the epidemic, AIDS cases among white men have fallen, yet the largest increases are among women.
Weaving together theoretical, critical, and practical perspectives, "Gendered Epidemic" is a collection of essays that questions the "add women and stir" model that governs most HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. The individual essays describe conflicts and contradictions, and pose new theories and practices. Written by HIV positive women, theorists, teachers, artists, policy makers and activists, it offers insights necessary to stem the spread of HIV.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of behavioral interventions to prevent HIV-AIDS risk-related behaviors. It synthesizes the empirical literature on individual, group, and community-level interventions and provides an objective and detailed assessment of intervention outcomes. Factors associated with behavioral risk for HIV transmission, theories of HIV risk behavior change, and the state of HIV prevention technology transfer are also reviewed. Additionally, behavioral interventions for adolescents and adults of diverse ethnic and sexual backgrounds are discussed with respect to each intervention type. Although the focus is on sexual risk reduction, interventions for sexual behavior of substance abusing populations are also covered.

The way in which the Netherlands has responded to AIDS is arguably regarded as well organized and effective. This is possibly due to the timely and effective response to the threat of the disease, with a prevention programme starting in 1982. This book uses the Dutch example to provide an instructive case study for other countries with relevance for policy makers now and in the future. It documents and discusses the Dutch prevention policy, most specifically the prevention policies and activities for various target groups. It examines prevention research and studies on sexuality and health behaviour with the emphasis on individual responsibility.

Lack of proper nutrition can severely impact the immune system, especially when it is already compromised. This book defines recent advances in understanding the nutritional deficiencies found in AIDS and HIV-positive patients. It explores the scientific knowledge of how nutritional and dietary changes and herbal medicines can benefit or potentially harm these patients. The text also discusses the negative effects of undernutrition that can lead to starvation, a potent immunosuppressant. Nutrients and Foods in AIDS is a much-needed scientific appraisal of current alternative strategies used in preventing or treating AIDS and its symptoms for improved quality of life.

Meddling with Mythology examines the role of research in the construction of modern mythology or folklore surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Researchers from a variety of disciplines reflect on the insights gained and the impact of their work, in light of the initial panic surrounding the prediction of an AIDS epidemic.
Issues discussed include: -
* power
* representation
* the politics of text
* understanding research relationships
* impact of research on researchers and responders
* potential for change.
Meddling with Mythology takes the reader from the theoretical to the practicable and from the public to the personal in the representations of AIDS. The issues raised here also have great significance for those concerned with the social construction of knowledge, theory building and the research process more generally.

"Heavenly Hurts Surviving AIDS-Related Deaths and Losses" imparts vital information for anyone touched by deaths and losses of HIV/AIDS. In the AIDS pandemic, efforts are focused on persons living with AIDS (PLWA). Neglected are professional and non-professional caregivers, families, and friends. They are surviving deaths of loved ones from AIDS-related illness, or are dealing with multiple losses of HIV/AIDS. "Heavenly Hurts" provides guidance, support and coping skills, along with discussions of death language; AIDS grief; death in the workplace; and cultural and spiritual issues around death.

Nancy Stoller records how the poor, people of color, gay men and lesbians, drug users, and women have built social movements to fight the impact of AIDS, revealing that organizational structure and culture have a greater impact on who is served and how than do public health theories or official organizational goals. She draws on ethnographic research and the words of the activists themselves, as well as the literature of social movements and theories of bureaucracy. In addition to the stories of the organizational strategies, the book offers guidelines for dealing with diversity and conflict with both theoretical and practical perspectives on cross-community and international organizing.

Robert Ariss - activist and academic - had a unique vision of HIV/AIDS. As an HIV seropositive individual for many years before his death on May 9, 1994, he was a full participant in, and critic of, the development of the gay community's response to the HIV epidemic both in Australia and internationally. Though Ariss' life is a definite presence in this study, Against Death: The Practice of Living with AIDS is not an autobiography. Instead, it is a unique and critical account of a public health crisis, a community's response, and the politics of sexuality. It was in Sydney, Australia, world-famous for its Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, that Robert Ariss lived and worked. It is his vision of that community - of its members infected with and affected by HIV - which is documented in this remarkable anthropological study. Yet the study's implications reach beyond Sydney to all communities living with HIV and AIDS.

Nancy Stoller records how the poor, people of colour, gay men and lesbians, drug users, and women have built social movements to fight the impact of AIDS. This study reveals that organizational structure and culture have a greater impact on who is served and how, than public health theories or official organizational goals. Nancy Stoller draws on ethnographic research and the words of the activists themselves, as well as the literature of social movements and theories of bureaucracy. In addition to accounts of organizational strategies, the book offers guidelines for dealing with diversity and conflict with both theoretical and practical perspectives on cross-community and international organizing.

With research based on focus groups and individual interviews in the United States, as well as a thorough and integrative review of the current literature, Latino Gay Men and HIV discusses the six main sociocultural factors in Latino communities - machismo, homophobia, family cohesion, sexual silence, poverty and racism - which undermine safe sex practices. In an attempt to explain the alarmingly high incidence of unprotected intercourse in this population, this in-depth cultural and psychological analysis shows how an apparent incongruence between knowledge or intention and behaviour can possess its own sociocultural logic and meaning.

Based on a conference on Oxidative Stress and Redox Regulation, held at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, this work examines fundamental, chemical, biological and medical studies of free radicals on different targets and the consequences of their reactivity. It covers the chemistry and biochemistry of free radicals, free radicals as second messengers that group the activation of transcription factors and enzymes, the importance of the antioxidant system in cell metabolism regulation, and the role of free radicals and antioxidants in disease management. The editors of this work are three of the most respected pioneers in the field. Dr. Montagnier is credited as the discoverer of HIV.

Historically, AIDS is just one of a series of dreaded diseases that have aroused both great fear and irrational actions. The previous diseases, including bubonic plague, syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy and cancer, have evoked such a sense of dread that rational moves to halt the disease have become compromised.; This text examines the deep sense of fear that AIDS evokes, stigmatizing those who suffer from the disease, as well as their families and caregivers. Until AIDS can be seen for what it actually is - a life-threatening disease - policies providing for humane treatment will not evolve. The book also emphasizes that diseases are more than biological phenomena or individual catastrophes - they are profoundly social events. The ways in which diseases are spread and treated are strongly influenced by larger sociological considerations, and they may have the capacity to change social institutions or society Itself. Rooting Aids In The History Of Diseases, The First Part Of The book reviews the nature, history and responses of earlier dreaded diseases. The next section examines AIDS itself, proposed as the archetypal dreaded disease. Already creating a sense of panic, AIDS is also shown to be a social disease, likely to have significant effects on the social order. Thus, only by containing the epidemic of fear and controlling the resulting irrationality, can the AIDS epidemic be halted.

From the start of the HIV epidemic, the psychological and social aspects of the AIDS infection have been recognized. What could have been regarded simply as an infectious disease was soon acknowledged as a global problem that raised important issues about its transmission and prevention: economic, ethical and legal questions regarding the mental health consequences and the need for access to medical and social care. This volume contains a selection of key contributions to the discussion on the psychological and social implications of HIV infection. It contains authoritative papers by senior practitioners and researchers in the field of the psychological and social aspects of HIV infection. The book should appeal to those involved in providing care for people with HIV infection as well as those involved in preventing the spread of the HIV infection.

From the start of the AIDS epidemic there have been calls for greater solidarity between affected groups and communities, and public health services. This can be seen both in the move towards healthy alliances in health service work, and in the demands of AIDS activists worldwide. This text brings together specially selected papers addressing these and related themes given at the Eighth Conference on Social Aspects of AIDS held in London in late 1995. Among the issues examined are profession and policy; the heightened vulnerability of groups such as women and younger gay men; and issues of drug use, disability and HIV prevention.