Recently, reports have indicated that, after years of steady decline, infant mortality has begun to increase in a number of communities throughout the United States. Many of these reports come from areas experiencing high levels of unemployment. While the dimensions and causes of this problem are not entirely understood, strong indications exist…

Home economists who work with adolescents can help prepare them for responsible parenthood later in life by explaining the known causes of various birth defects; providing basic information about human genetics, prenatal nutrition, and drug and alcohol effects; and motivating adolescents to exercise increased responsibility in their sexual…

The responses of friends and acquaintances of parents whose child has died as the result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome can be helpful and supportive or they can be guilt-producing, painful, and destructive. Some destructive responses experienced by parents in those circumstances include questioning such as, "Did you...?" which implies that…

The report presents information on the incidence and prevention of preterm births which are related to infant death and subsequent handicapping conditions. The first chapter analyzes statistics from Sweden, Britain, Scotland, Canada and the U.S. on optimum birthweight. European developments in the prevention of preterm birth are reviewed as well…

This document presents the hearings before the Subcommittee on Child and Human Development on the enactment of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Act Extension of 1978. The purpose of the hearing was to determine the effectiveness of the SIDS program which was established by Public Law 93-270, to determine how it can be improved or expanded,…

This manual provides information on preventive treatment and improving the health and food of infants, young children, and their mothers in developing nations. The nutrition needs of women during and following pregnancy are outlined, as well as the benefits and problems of breast feeding and weaning techniques. A discussion is presented on the…

A program of infant home visiting was established in Denmark as a result of concern about the rate of infant mortality. The objectives, problems, and promise of the infant Home Visiting Program are summarized and evaluated in terms of their implications for the United States. Although the results of the program have been overwhelmingly favorable…

The Public Health Service Act was amended in 1962 to authorize grants to establish family health service clinics for domestic agricultural migratory workers and to improve the health conditions of these workers and their families. Approximately 100 programs currently provide migrant health services. As a result of the low level of funding of these…

This report is comprised of three separate studies conducted at the University of Colorado Medical Center. In the first study, answers to the following questions were sought: (1) What kinds of late morbidity occur at different birth weights and gestational ages? and (2) Has a vigorous approach to metabolic support in the newborn period changed the…

Presents statistics showing the diversity of economics in 24 countries. Tables include information on: agricultural area; population; labor force (percent females); agricultural/industry/services employment; gross domestic product; government expenditure and revenue; trade balance, imports/exports; consumer prices; infant mortality; animal…

There has been little change in newborn mortality in the past 20 years, even through proven, cost-effective solutions exist to save many of these young lives. This report reviews the most recent data on the newborn, revealing the alarming poor health and quality of health care for mothers and newborns in virtually all impoverished countries. The…

About one-third of Black Americans live in poverty. The inability to achieve economic independence renders them hostage to numerous problems that may include occasional or chronic hunger, homelessness, and lack of adequate health care. Blacks must pursue vigorous political representation, among other strategies, to attain economic…

Examines risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome based on Swedish births between 1983 and 1985. Results indicate that maternal smoking doubles the risk of infant death, and infants of smokers also died sooner. The more the mother smoked the more likely her infant was to die. (JS)

Adolescent pregnancy results from a combination of factors, including feelings of hopelessness, poor education, and the effects of racism. Its personal, social, and public costs must be understood and addressed. Reiterates findings that pregnancy prevention programs should be sensitive to the target group culture, include other family members, and…