title: The social impact of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
abstract: The potential expansion of the HIV epidemic and its cultural impact in sub-Saharan Africa are vast. Projections under conservative assumptions suggest that the toll of AIDS will reach five million annual deaths by 2010, although the net African population will continue to increase significantly. Cultural practices, including large differences in age between men and women at marriage and a long period of postpartum abstinence, have contributed to the frequency of extramarital relations and eased the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. In response to the spread of AIDS, social adaptations will include profound changes in sexual behavior, marriage customs, and childbearing.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van de Walle
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D000353:Africa, Southern; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011639:Public Opinion; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012922:Social Change