title: The social ecology of HIV/AIDS.
abstract: The reasons that epidemics occur largely are a function of human behaviors and responses to environmental changes, known as the social ecology of infectious diseases. The AIDS epidemic began in remote parts of Central and West Africa and spread from rural areas to urban centers. The epidemic became a global pandemic. Although screening programs and use of antivirals have decreased the likelihood of HIV transmission, these advances have not reached all centers in the developing world. The epidemic continues to grow despite effective treatment because of the absence of a protective vaccine and the continuation of high risk sexual behavior and substance use.
authors.affiliation: Brown University, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, USA. kenneth_mayer@brown.edu
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Pizer
authors.forename: Kartik K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Venkatesh
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology; D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000266:history; D014943:Global Health; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel; D014507:Urbanization