Includes information on the nature of AIDS/HIV and the AIDS epidemic; symptoms and transmittal; patterns and trends in AIDS/HIV surveillance; populations at risk; children, adolescents, and AIDS/HIV; AIDS/HIV cost and treatment; people living with AIDS/HIV; testing, prevention, and education; HIV and AIDS worldwide; and knowledge, awareness, behavior, and opinion of those affected by AIDS/HIV.

Includes information on the nature of AIDS/HIV and the AIDS epidemic; symptoms and transmittal; patterns and trends in AIDS/HIV surveillance; populations at risk; children, adolescents, and AIDS/HIV; AIDS/HIV cost and treatment; people living with AIDS/HIV; testing, prevention, and education; HIV and AIDS worldwide; and knowledge, awareness, behavior, and opinion of those affected by AIDS/HIV.

Areas covered include an overview of American education; primary, elementary, and secondary schools; public versus private schooling; special education; education of gifted children; testing and achievement of students; national education goals; and "at-risk" students. Discusses colleges and universities; issues such as home schooling, school choice, and vouchers; trends in teacher supply and demand; and public opinions about education.

Explores the current condition of growing old in the United States. Includes the economic status of older people; Medicare and Medicaid; the living arrangements of older adults; working and retirement; and the education levels, voting trends, and political behavior of older Americans. Physical and mental health problems; drug and alcohol abuse; care for seniors; crime; and death and dying are also covered.

Explores the lives of women in American society. Includes information on women's demographic trends, educational achievements, employment, financial status, parental responsibilities, political roles, victimization, and health issues.

Examines various trends in careers and occupations in America. Provides the latest information on what Americans do for a living, how much they earn, how they find work, and what factors influence these key issues.

Examines how Americans deal with death, with a particular focus on the highly charged political and moral issues of living wills, life-sustaining treatments, end-of-life care funding, and physician assisted suicide.

Discusses what has been done to protect endangered species in the United States and around the world, and examines the debate over what future actions are warranted.

Presents in-depth information on how casino gambling, sports gambling, lotteries, and Internet gambling work, provides up-to-date financial data for each, and discusses the effects of these and other gambling activities on the communities in which they take place. Also discussed are American attitudes toward gambling.