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AIDS: Profile of an epidemic
Patient Education and Counsehg.
15 (1990) 281-4534 Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.
281
Off the Shelf
AIDS: Profile of an Epidemic Scientific Publication No 5 14 Pan American Health Organization, pages.
1989, 365
It is now eight years since AIDS was first recognized. At that time (1981) no one could have predicted that infection with the AIDS virus would become a new global problem of extraordinary scope and unprecedented urgency. As the world has become aware of the epidemic’s scope and urgency, government officials, scientists, medical workers, public health workers and men and women everywhere have begun to join forces to prevent its future spread. In the absence of an effective cure for the disease and little prospects for a vaccine in the near future, it is imperative that knowledge and information regarding its transmission be widely disseminated. In addition, early approaches taken by various governments to control and prevent HIV infection provide excellent learning opportunities for countries just beginning to confront the AIDS epidemic. It is in this spirit that the Pan American Health Organization has produced AIDS: Profile of an Epidemic.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section provides an overview of the efforts, obstacles, experiences and achievements in the war against AIDS in the Americas. Excellent country specific articles trace the course of the epidemic throughout the Americas. Solid epidemiological indicators provide a sound basis for the conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of AIDS education and prevention programs. Chapters in this section highlight specific epidemiological situations or problems encountered in a given country or region; others offer general discussions and analyses of issues such as public information and education and legal and ethical considerations.
The second section is built around a round table discussion. Dichotomous views by various experts discuss the validity of current projections of the course and dimensions of the AIDS epidemic. This section clearly points out that even with our current knowledge, expert views differ widely and predictions for the future remain unclear. We do not know the extent of HIV infection in most population groups, or the duration and intensity of the infectivity of HIVpositive individuals. Consequently, projections must be made with caution because our information regarding several critical variables is limited. Previous global projections have been revised based on invalid assumptions. The third section is a series of reports addressing the current knowledge of AIDS, and an overview of the epidemic (cumulative reported AIDS cases and deaths for all countries as of 30 September 1988). The World Health Organization’s Global Program on AIDS is highlighted along with its goals, strategies and activities. The Program’s conceptual framework consisting of short-term and medium-term national program plans is illustrated with specific strategies for each time frame. Special attention is directed toward the establishment of National AIDS committees in over 150 countries. Health officials throughout the world share information about their own countries’ experiences in their fight against AIDS. The book is an excellent compendium of country-specific information on AIDS program activities in the Americas. Certain sections in the book could have been more fully developed (such as AIDS in the workplace, nutrition and AIDS) and other important topics could have been addressed, such as, the economic impact of AIDS. Despite these limitations, the book adequately reflects the multidisciplinary importance of the subject as well as the coalescing role
of epidemiology and public health. The health education practitioner as well as the health education researcher can benefit greatly from this wellreferenced document on AIDS in the Americas. Donald E. Morisky, ScD, MSPH Associate Professor UCLA School of Public Health Department of Community Health Sciences Division of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tracking of the Impact of Health Promotion On Organizations: A Key to Program Survival Salvinija G. Kernaghan and Barbara A. Giloth January 1988, 168 pp, US$35.00 AHA members US$28.00, Catalog no. 070191, ISBN l-55648 020-2. This excellent book should be read by all health professionals who need to justify health promotion program value and existence to administrative decision-makers. This book outlines a step-by-step approach to monitoring a program’s impact in relation to organization goals without the need for complex, expensive, and labor-intensive evaluation which can be appreciated by managers who lack extensive research and economic support. The authors list four goals most organizations consider in developing health promotion programs: Improving organization image, improving financial operations, fostering more appropriate use of health-care services, and improving the quality and effectiveness of services. Each goal is studied in separate chapters with literature reviews and descriptive experiences of actual programs. The use of specific names and organizations is helpful should the reader wish to consult further in regard to a specific program. Suggestions or strategies are proposed as to methods by which this material can be used to monitor a program’s success in reaching organization goals. Liberal use of charts, surveys and patient education data sheets helps the reader custom design a program.
The chapter, “How to Begin,” focuses upon the details necessary to develop a teaching system and how to avoid reinventing the wheel by utilizing the existing resource linkages and data process sources. The last chapter on computers outlines the available computer tools for data collection and program resources. This dimension will become increasingly more important in tracking a program with multiple outcomes and the need for illustrative graphics. This book is well organized and easily read. It can be read in its entirety or serve as a reference for specific organization goals. The inclusion of actual program tracking enhances the book’s credibility. The continuing success of health promotion programs depends upon tracking the results achieved by the individual recipient and sponsoring organization. This book is a must for anyone who needs organization support. Vernon C. Urich, MD, Chairman Health Education Committee St. Joseph Hospital Flint, Michigan
Choosing Health for Yourself: A Clear and Practical Guide to Motivating SelfCare Leonard G. Horowitz, DMD, MA, MPH 76 pp, Rockport, MA: Tetrahedron, Inc., 1981. Assuming personal responsibility for choosing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the main premise of Horowitz’s book. The author contends that the purpose of health education is to help individuals take more responsibility for their own health care. The first part of the book reviews various cognitive, affective, and humanistic principles of behavior and culminates in a “Self-Care Motivation description of the Model.” The curriculum comprises the second half of the book and includes units addressing stress, relaxation and coping skills, health values clarification, health awareness and self-assessment, and positive self-image, esteem, and reinforcement.
15 (1990) 281-4534 Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.
281
Off the Shelf
AIDS: Profile of an Epidemic Scientific Publication No 5 14 Pan American Health Organization, pages.
1989, 365
It is now eight years since AIDS was first recognized. At that time (1981) no one could have predicted that infection with the AIDS virus would become a new global problem of extraordinary scope and unprecedented urgency. As the world has become aware of the epidemic’s scope and urgency, government officials, scientists, medical workers, public health workers and men and women everywhere have begun to join forces to prevent its future spread. In the absence of an effective cure for the disease and little prospects for a vaccine in the near future, it is imperative that knowledge and information regarding its transmission be widely disseminated. In addition, early approaches taken by various governments to control and prevent HIV infection provide excellent learning opportunities for countries just beginning to confront the AIDS epidemic. It is in this spirit that the Pan American Health Organization has produced AIDS: Profile of an Epidemic.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section provides an overview of the efforts, obstacles, experiences and achievements in the war against AIDS in the Americas. Excellent country specific articles trace the course of the epidemic throughout the Americas. Solid epidemiological indicators provide a sound basis for the conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of AIDS education and prevention programs. Chapters in this section highlight specific epidemiological situations or problems encountered in a given country or region; others offer general discussions and analyses of issues such as public information and education and legal and ethical considerations.
The second section is built around a round table discussion. Dichotomous views by various experts discuss the validity of current projections of the course and dimensions of the AIDS epidemic. This section clearly points out that even with our current knowledge, expert views differ widely and predictions for the future remain unclear. We do not know the extent of HIV infection in most population groups, or the duration and intensity of the infectivity of HIVpositive individuals. Consequently, projections must be made with caution because our information regarding several critical variables is limited. Previous global projections have been revised based on invalid assumptions. The third section is a series of reports addressing the current knowledge of AIDS, and an overview of the epidemic (cumulative reported AIDS cases and deaths for all countries as of 30 September 1988). The World Health Organization’s Global Program on AIDS is highlighted along with its goals, strategies and activities. The Program’s conceptual framework consisting of short-term and medium-term national program plans is illustrated with specific strategies for each time frame. Special attention is directed toward the establishment of National AIDS committees in over 150 countries. Health officials throughout the world share information about their own countries’ experiences in their fight against AIDS. The book is an excellent compendium of country-specific information on AIDS program activities in the Americas. Certain sections in the book could have been more fully developed (such as AIDS in the workplace, nutrition and AIDS) and other important topics could have been addressed, such as, the economic impact of AIDS. Despite these limitations, the book adequately reflects the multidisciplinary importance of the subject as well as the coalescing role
of epidemiology and public health. The health education practitioner as well as the health education researcher can benefit greatly from this wellreferenced document on AIDS in the Americas. Donald E. Morisky, ScD, MSPH Associate Professor UCLA School of Public Health Department of Community Health Sciences Division of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tracking of the Impact of Health Promotion On Organizations: A Key to Program Survival Salvinija G. Kernaghan and Barbara A. Giloth January 1988, 168 pp, US$35.00 AHA members US$28.00, Catalog no. 070191, ISBN l-55648 020-2. This excellent book should be read by all health professionals who need to justify health promotion program value and existence to administrative decision-makers. This book outlines a step-by-step approach to monitoring a program’s impact in relation to organization goals without the need for complex, expensive, and labor-intensive evaluation which can be appreciated by managers who lack extensive research and economic support. The authors list four goals most organizations consider in developing health promotion programs: Improving organization image, improving financial operations, fostering more appropriate use of health-care services, and improving the quality and effectiveness of services. Each goal is studied in separate chapters with literature reviews and descriptive experiences of actual programs. The use of specific names and organizations is helpful should the reader wish to consult further in regard to a specific program. Suggestions or strategies are proposed as to methods by which this material can be used to monitor a program’s success in reaching organization goals. Liberal use of charts, surveys and patient education data sheets helps the reader custom design a program.
The chapter, “How to Begin,” focuses upon the details necessary to develop a teaching system and how to avoid reinventing the wheel by utilizing the existing resource linkages and data process sources. The last chapter on computers outlines the available computer tools for data collection and program resources. This dimension will become increasingly more important in tracking a program with multiple outcomes and the need for illustrative graphics. This book is well organized and easily read. It can be read in its entirety or serve as a reference for specific organization goals. The inclusion of actual program tracking enhances the book’s credibility. The continuing success of health promotion programs depends upon tracking the results achieved by the individual recipient and sponsoring organization. This book is a must for anyone who needs organization support. Vernon C. Urich, MD, Chairman Health Education Committee St. Joseph Hospital Flint, Michigan
Choosing Health for Yourself: A Clear and Practical Guide to Motivating SelfCare Leonard G. Horowitz, DMD, MA, MPH 76 pp, Rockport, MA: Tetrahedron, Inc., 1981. Assuming personal responsibility for choosing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the main premise of Horowitz’s book. The author contends that the purpose of health education is to help individuals take more responsibility for their own health care. The first part of the book reviews various cognitive, affective, and humanistic principles of behavior and culminates in a “Self-Care Motivation description of the Model.” The curriculum comprises the second half of the book and includes units addressing stress, relaxation and coping skills, health values clarification, health awareness and self-assessment, and positive self-image, esteem, and reinforcement.