This collection of documents consists of a three part series that addresses three different topics related to HIV/AIDS. The initial document consists of the introduction and the existing research framework. The first section, on young people and risk-taking in sexual relations, consists of a set of studies that presents a comparative analysis of data collected in Africa, Asia and the Americas. This is followed by a comparative analysis of data regarding a community's response to AIDS. The third set of studies addresses the use of the female condom based on data collected in 4 countries on gender relations, sexual communication and negotiation.