Examines some constraints unique to human service delivery in rural areas. Proposes a conceptual framework for strategies and examines implications of the framework for education of human services professionals. (Author/AH)

This 1987 study replicates a social work education program. Reviews factors affecting practice in rural areas and current educational trends. Results indicate drop in preparation for rural practice since 1980, especially at bachelor's degree level, and a trend away from rural course offerings. Includes charts and references. (Author/TES)

Reports on a Kentucky survey exploring attitudes about AIDS. Rural residents were less informed about AIDS, less empathic towards persons with AIDS, and less tolerant of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle than respondents in small towns and cities. Younger, better educated people were better informed. Contains 21 references. (DHP)

Reports survey responses from administrators of 23 urban and 25 rural, federally funded, primary health care projects in 6 midwestern states. Compares urban and rural projects regarding patients' social problems, staffing patterns, referrals to other agencies and community groups, and present and projected social services. Contains 16 references.…

Compared homelessness among persons in a metropolitan setting based on whether or not the person had migrated from a rural area. Found that those from rural areas had a lower level of educational achievement, experienced a higher degree of isolation from families, and frequently had come to the urban area seeking jobs. (KS)

A survey of 236 social-work field instructors from 2 state universities examined their opinions of the knowledge and skills of their BSW and MSW students and their needs for development and continuing education. Rural and urban field instructors were remarkably similar in their demographic characteristics, views of their students, and desires for…

Summarizes survey of 243 Maine social workers about work and roles, characteristics of successful practice, and problems. Results show few significant differences between rural and urban social work practice. (LFL)

Analyzes data from 4,313 Wisconsin Central Registry of Child Abuse reports (1973-1978) to determine that initial social worker investigations of child abuse contain weak predictors on the probability of a subsequent incident and that the prediction may be different in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan environments. (Author/LC)

Survey of 2,006 graduates with at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) (86% female, 88% White, average age 34) found that, compared to urban workers, rural social workers were more likely to be White; had fewer master's degrees and lower incomes; were more satisfied with their BSW preparation; and showed greater community involvement.…

Reports the effect of valuing in-kind benefits as income and contrasts the resulting changes in reported poverty rates in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Finds consideration of in-kind benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid does reduce the reported number of poor, but incidence of poverty remains higher for nonmetro areas. (LFL)

Survey of 185 Washington rural mental health center professionals reveals moderately high levels of job/lifestyle satisfaction and higher levels of readiness for rural life/work among those taking rural courses/practicum during their educational experience. Study supports concept of anticipatory socialization correlating with higher levels of…

Compares the percent of population participating in three welfare programs in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas throughout the United States in 1980. Examines nonmetro data by county; investigates socioeconomic variables distinguishing high recipiency counties. (LFL)

A homophobia questionnaire was administered to 30 rural and 41 urban undergraduate students of social work. Results indicate that 17% of respondents were homophobic; there were no significant differences between groups. Implications for social work practice and education are discussed. (LP)

Examines the increase in AIDS patients in rural California, which is greater than that in urban areas, including AIDS population projections through 1991. Describes differences between AIDS populations in rural and urban areas and relates these to state expenditure patterns and differential needs. (DHP)

The Rurality Index measures community access to resources for resolution of local problems; includes physical, population, educational, and financial elements; and assesses community connections to the larger society and the global economy. Analysis found that U.S. metro counties were heavily skewed to the least rural end of the scale but…