Blacks and AIDS

In the process of refuting assumptions that blacks are more likely to contract AIDS due to genetic reasons, this treatise provides a summary of medical and social science research on AIDS, describes its impact on the black community and challenges the theory that the disease is of African origin.

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This is the first book to tackle the relationship of black people to AIDS. The main issue addressed is whether the disproportionately high rates of AIDS in black people has a genetic basis. The issue is discussed in terms of epidemiologic, basic science, and clinical research data in a comprehensive manner. The major topics discussed are the overall health status of black people, history and epidemiology of AIDS, transmission and pathogenesis, AIDS in Africa, genetic versus environmental basis of AIDS and control measures. The book also deals with psychosocial, socioeconomic and cultural bases of the health status of black people - relating to long-standing discrimination and prejudice.



Duh′s work is a concise, readable summary of the existing general research on AIDS, both medical and social scientific, as well as its specific impact on the black community. His policy recommendations to ameliorate the epidemic in the black community are modest and achievable, focusing on means of improving health status and health education in the community.