AIDS: Science and Society

by Hung Y. Fan

New information about scientific and social aspects of AIDS appears daily in the news and popular press. Yet, despite the best efforts of medical professions, there is no quick biological solution in sight. For more than a decade, our society has been forced to confront the human suffering, fear, discrimination, and health care issues that this epidemic has provoked. AIDS: Science and Society helps the general reader generate informed opinions and decisions about AIDS-related issues. A conceptual framework for the issues raised by AIDS is introduced, and risk assessment, prevention, and models of behavior change are presented. This text is a valuable resource to all those who would like to learn more about AIDS but find medical literature too technical. The latest information on the biological underpinnings of AIDS and clinical therapies are explained clearly.

229 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

Reviews

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was required reading for a Molecular Biology of HIV/AIDS course and was a great launching point into the subject. The discussion on the immune system mechanisms is simple enough, yet descriptive enough, to build a good foundation on. When the class delved into greater detail about various HIV proteins the quick overview provided in the book was helpful in keeping track of everything. I would have liked to see more on societal impact and consequences of the ways that AIDS was initially discussed and investigated (this might be expanded on in later editions I don't know whether or not it has). Over all a great read.

[Kristofor Berner]

Second time reading this through after a class in immunology. Definitely insightful and I appreciated the application to practical methods of addressing the spread as well as social stigmas. However, it is a very introductory text. I couldn't see this being used in the academic setting.

[steds · Rating 3 out of 5]

basic scientific and social overview of AIDS. not necessarily earth shattering but a great overview and basis for understanding the pandemic