Policy and Behavioral Interventions for STDs

Abstract

Policy making in public health is a multidisciplinary activity that has a major impact on how public health problems are addressed. While most assume that relevant science should form the basic foundation for development of public health policy, the way that connection is bridged and how the science is inter- preted are frequently influenced by the political arena within which they exist. STD prevention and reproductive health are not immune to this reality. This chapter will first describe and define the core functions of public health, which provide a critical context for policy making. The basis and spe- cific domains of policy making and how they relate to preventing STDs will be explored, using case study examples to highlight specific points. The inter- face of science and policy making and the political arena within which they function will also be woven into the discussion.