ADOLESCENTS AND SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES

This paper presents a brief overview of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in adoles cent populations. Using the framework of a mathematical model (which c onsiders how, why, and whether an infection spreads within a populatio n), the epidemic of STDs among adolescent populations is considered. T he unique aspects of adolescent behavior, adolescent biology, and the social context of adolescents' lives are highlighted.