Knowledge of the existence of birth control clinics is seen as a function of proximity to clinics, friendliness of neighborhood, and propensity to discuss birth control with neighbors. A conceptual model is developed to illustrate variables contributing to the diffusion of birth control information in a public health family planning program.…

Reviews the evidence on the effectiveness of technologies" in six social problems. Concludes that technological solutions seem more likely to increase effectiveness in handling major parts of social problems at lower economic and psychic costs than punitive, therapeutic, or informational efforts. (AL)

In a comparison of the experiences of urban and rural physicians with sexual ailments, the mean ratings presented suggest that the physicians generally felt that both they and medical science rated only "fair" in the treatment of sexual problems. (Author)

Major concepts of the Health Belief Model, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, can be applied to family planning, including the use or non-use of contraception among sexually active adolescent females. (Author/CJ)

Results from a study of 104 college students generally did not corroborate previous findings. A small, statistically significant correlation between locus of control and birth control knowledge was found, but the practical significance of the relationship was diminished because the correlation was small and other relationships tested were found to…

Female subjects whose mothers were employed outside the home during the high school years (a) had a greater tendency to begin sexual relations before age 19, (b) expressed less concern regarding the risk of unintended pregnancy, and (c) scored lower on an objective test of their practical knowledge about contraception. (Author/GK)

Analyzed data from a national probability sample of 15 through 19-year-old women to determine the influence of parents and peers on premarital sexual behavior, contraceptive use, and premarital pregnancy. Results show women with views resembling those of parents have low levels of premarital experience. (Author)

Reviews research literature on the mother-daughter relationship as a transmission structure for sexual socialization. While the literature indicates generally low levels of direct communication about sex between mothers and daughters, the influence of the mother on the daughter's sexual and contraceptive behavior is also indicated. (Author)

The development of a videotape on contraception is described as part of a college level human sexuality course for hearing impaired students. Format and presentation information of the videotape, which uses captions and total communication, is set forth. (CL)

Gives results of a 40-item questionnaire for assessing attitudes toward contraception, abortion, family planning, population movement, and modernity given to American, Italian, and Swiss students. (Author/AM)

Reviews the literature to identify the most important antecedents associated with adolescent initiation of sex, contraception use, and pregnancy. Results indicate that over 100 antecedents create a complex, detailed picture of the correlates of adolescent sexual behaviors. They describe characteristics of adolescents themselves, their partners,…

Replicates a 1979 study of sexual behavior on afternoon soap operas, classifying sexual behavior in terms of physical acts, implied acts, and verbal references. Finds a substantial increase in sex between unmarried persons and a norm of promiscuous sex, with few attendant consequences. (MS)

Results are reported from a study which examined attitudes, experiences, and concerns of college women (N=237) regarding oral contraception. Implications of the findings for health educators are discussed. (IAH)