Moral and social aspects of AIDS: a medical students' project

The rising number of cases of AIDS in Great Britain has important implications for all those who work in the health services. A group of pre-clinical students at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, undertook a project in which they explored some of the sociological and epidemiological aspects of AIDS. Particular attention was paid to any stigma that may surround the disease. The moral definition of the disease pervaded all areas of enquiry during the project. It is suggested that sound management of AIDS patients and those who are HIV antibody positive, will require both health care staff and students to carefully consider their own beliefs regarding the disease and those most at risk.