AIDSinfo, a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers access to many Federal HIV-related resources, including the AIDSinfo Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms, a guide to help people understand the complex terminology of HIV/AIDS. The glossary includes definitions in English and Spanish for more than 700 HIV/AIDS-related terms.The latest edition of the glossary includes many images and infographics to help users visualize and grasp complex scientific concepts. “We gathered some data through assessments and usability studies that emphasized the importance of images in facilitating comprehension of health concepts,” explained Gale Dutcher, Deputy Associate Director of the Division of Specialized Information Services at the National Library of Medicine. “We feel that the glossary images are excellent tools for healthcare providers to use when discussing HIV treatment with their patients. For example, the adherence and undetectable viral load images would be useful for healthcare providers to reference when talking to patients about the importance of taking their medications.”

Dutcher noted that both the iOS and Android versions of the AIDSinfo HIV/AIDS Glossary app have been updated to include the images. The latest versions of the apps contain several new features, including:

• A way to save frequently referenced terms for easy access
• The ability to share favorite glossary terms via Facebook, Twitter, email, or text
• An audio feature to hear the correct pronunciation of terms in English and Spanish
• A toggle button to switch between English and Spanish terms and definitions

Visit AIDSinfo to download the free glossary app to your iOS or Android device or to order a printed copy of the English or Spanish glossary.

AIDSinfo also welcomes your feedback on the glossary! Please email your questions or comments to: ContactUs@HIVinfo.nih.gov and TwitterExit Disclaimer for updates on HIV/AIDS news and the latest features from AIDSinfo and infoSIDA.