Overview: individual and population approaches to the epidemiology and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abstract

This supplement of the Journal ofInfectious Diseases high­ lights differences and interactions between individual and population parameters that contribute to the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immu­ nodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These two levels can be considered both as determinants of spread and as targets or beneficiaries of strategies for prevention; as such, they provide approaches to intervention and levels for measuring effect. The following overview describes six themes or principles that recur throughout the supplement and summarizes the underlying is­ sues presented by 14 groups of authors from theoretical, meth­ odologic, practical, and policy perspectives.