Date of Defense

11-26-2001

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Diane Pierce

Second Advisor

Sally Sutkowi

Third Advisor

Maryanne Stark

Abstract

AIDS is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four years (Stine, 2001). However most people in America are unaware of this. The reason is because HIV/AIDS is seen as a disease among gays, IV drug users, or high-risk individuals. The truth, however, is that HIV/AIDS is now attacking the innocent children of the world. The main route in which children are acquiring the virus is through vertical transmission. With the use of drugs and the knowledge of the modes of transmission, the risk of passing it on to a child can be significantly dropped; from 30% to 2% (Postma, Jager & VanDenBerg, 2000). Many individuals lack the knowledge and resources needed to prevent the virus from spreading which is why so many AIDS cases are still being seen in children. The key to stopping the virus, or at least to slowing it down, is through education and funding.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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