title: Therapeutic recreation practitioners' involvement in the AIDS epidemic.
abstract: This article describes the implications of the AIDS epidemic for therapeutic recreation practitioners in various settings. The AIDS disease spectrum, its epidemiology, transmission, and health effects are discussed in light of the attitudes, education, policy, and program issues that therapeutic recreation practitioners will confront in working with clients and staff in settings that are attempting to deal with the AIDS epidemic. Most health care professions will be challenged to address what has been viewed as history's greatest natural tragedy. Yet, only those professions which seek answers to defining and accepting their roles in dealing with the AIDS epidemic will contribute to the quality of life for persons with AIDS.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006801:Humans; D011998:Recreation; D013812:Therapeutics; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology