Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and social disease

The social construction of disease and responses to it has implications not only for how nurses approach caregiving responsibilities but also for how we strategize for and participate in prevention efforts and elaborate priorities for advocacy. Historical review of responses to public health threats, along with critical examination of current social constructions of disease and public health practice, can inform our theory building and offer important insights for educators and clinicians striving to improve the care of people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Understanding what underlies responses is key to effecting changes. Although unique, AIDS has commonalities with other diseases and public health threats, past and present. Thus lessons learned from the past may be applicable to the current situation.