HIV, STDs and Sexual Behavior

RAND Corporation researchers have been studying HIV and related issues since the late 1980s. In 1994, RAND assembled a consortium of private and government institutions to study the cost of care for and other consequences of HIV infection in the United States. The resulting HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS) was the first major research effort to collect information on a nationally representative sample of people receiving care for HIV infection. RAND researchers continue to address a wide range of issues related to HIV, including access to, costs of, and quality of care; co-occurring disorders and high-risk behaviors; and the allocation of HIV prevention resources. Current studies are highlighted below.

How Parental HIV Affects Children

Children of HIV-infected parents face unique challenges related to their parents’ HIV status, including misconceptions about transmitting HIV, fear of prejudice and discrimination, family disruption, and lack of planning for their future care.

Research brief

Improving Mass Delivery of Antiretroviral Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa

As nations and nongovernmental organizations scale up to deliver ART on a mass scale in Sub-Saharan Africa, there are several steps they can take to make delivery of treatment efficient and cost-effective while still providing quality care.

Research brief

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues Among People with HIV: Lessons from HCSUS

New findings from the HIV Costs and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS) shed light on the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse problems for persons with HIV, access to appropriate care, and ability to adhere to treatment.

Research brief

Disparities in Care for HIV Patients: Results of the HCSUS Study

Some people with HIV are receiving the most effective treatment while others are not.

Research brief