The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has prepared a selected computer-generated bibliography from recent international journals on sudden death in infants. Each of 108 citations is accompanied by descriptors selected from the NLM's list of medical subject headings to facilitate the use of the retrieval system for those who are interested in…

This progress report is based on seven years of basic research in maternal health, child health and human development. Topics include: The Beginning of Life: Prenatal Development; Early Prevention, Detection, and Therapy of Congenital, Structural and Metabolic Defects; Problems of Birth and Postnatal Adaptation; Child Development: Normal and…

A hearing held to discover the medical cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ways to prevent it is reported. The hearing sought in particular to: learn about past and present research efforts; explore the prospects for discovering the cause and preventing future occurrences of SIDS; understand the scope of activity within HEW, to inform…

Presents a role playing activity in which students develop expertise in planning policies for reducing birth rates in poor countries with rapidly increasing populations. (Author/DB)

Explains how to use mortality data to illustrate social issues such as racial differences; life expectancies as affected by war, work, or sexual traits; impact of new social roles for women on longevity differences; and fairness of pension plans as related to sex of employees. (AV)

Examines the National Pediatric Service and the research program of the Maternity-Infant-Hospital-School in Honduras. Reports that health conditions of young children (birth to six years) in Honduras are appalling and that available funds for health services are inadequate, reflecting the country's economic and social crisis. (NH)

Reveals that infants in West Virginia judged at risk were not followed more closely by county health department nurses than infants judged not at risk. Negotiations are underway with divisions in the State Department of Health to identify high-risk infants routinely, notify local health departments, and conduct a screening in order to provide help…

Analyzes the causal relationships of the fertility differentials of 2200 married women in a small Korean town. Notes the effect on fertility of socioeconomic status, age at first marriage, family background, and various family planning strategies (contraception, abortion). Discusses a process model on fertility. (Author/SB)

Discusses the emotional impact of a stillbirth on a family. The Perinatal Mortality Counseling Program (PMCP) at Shands Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, Florida, provides crisis intervention and support for these families, as well as serving a research function. Outlines the program, including its history, composition, procedures, and research.…

A Study of concerns of l00 middle class parents who had lost infants revealed that the death of an infant or fetus was viewed as devastating because of inadequate community recognition of the loss. Many parents turn for support to physicians who are often unable to meet their needs. Causes and solutions for this situation are discussed.…

Proposes that sudden infant death and failure to thrive syndromes may have their origins in aberrations of learning processes due to perinatal stress, unstimulating environment, and/or inadequate learning experiences. (Author/GC)

Investigated whether maltreated, substance-exposed infants have higher risk of out-of-home placement than non-abused, substance-exposed children, as well as a higher risk of death than children overall. Followed 480 infants through Illinois death registry and computerized central registry of child abuse reports. Found out-of-home placement and…

Reviews research from several disciplines to examine impact of stillbirth and infant death on parents, and the effect of various socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, and postbirth factors upon parents' grieving and adjustment. Reports that one-third of mothers reported serious physical and emotional deterioration. Notes that care and emotional…

Discusses the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality's research concerning infant mortality and low birth weight. Also discusses the Commission's public policy efforts regarding the health of children, infants, and pregnant women. (RJC)