HIV, STDs and Sexual Behavior
RAND Corporation researchers have been studying HIV and related issues since the late 1980s. In 1994, RAND Health 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.
Profiles of Current Research
Access to, Costs of, and Quality of Care
Highlights of Recent Studies
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.
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.
Cost–Effective Allocation of Government Funds for Preventing HIV
Educational videos and partner notification are two of the most cost–effective interventions for preventing HIV.
HIV Testing Among Indigent Women: Who Gets Tested?
A high percentage of homeless sheltered women and women living in low-income housing in Los Angeles have undergone HIV testing at least once.
Reducing Sexual Risk Among Injection Drug Users
Programs designed to increase condom use in steady partnerships could substantially reduce sexual risk among injection drug users.
Related Web Sites
HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS)
http://www.rand.org/health/projects/hcsus/
Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services (CHIPTS)
UCLA/RAND Center for Adolescent Health Promotion
Drug Policy Research Center
Working with Congress
RAND's Washington Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND's mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. The OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. Contact: Shirley Ruhe (Shirley_Ruhe@rand.org) or Kristy Anderson (kristy@rand.org).
The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter
Top