Adolescents and sexually transmitted diseases

This paper presents a brief overview of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in adolescent populations. Using the framework of a mathematical model (which considers how, why, and whether an infection spreads within a population), the epidemic of STDs among adolescent populations is considered. The unique aspects of adolescent behavior, adolescent biology, and the social context of adolescents' lives are highlighted.