An elective course intended to prepare the pharmacist as an educator on fertility control is outlined in some detail, and its text, examinations, and instructional methods are briefly noted. The course's popularity and student evaluations suggested that it was a valuable addition to the curriculum at the University of Nebraska. (MSE)

Data indicate that much socialization for parenthood occurs well before the onset of childbearing. By the time a young woman is at risk of pregnancy, she has notions about the value of children and preferences for appropriate family size and sex of offspring. (Author/GC)

The relationship between sexual experience and contraceptive attitudinal responses to a birth control film is examined. Significant group differences were found regarding reinforcement of sexual attitudes but not for contraceptive attitudes. (JMF)

Suggests that freedom for the middle classes may mean vulnerability for the poor. The enthusiasm for sterilization may be so intense as to deprive the poor of their right not to be sterilized. (Author/AM)

This paper reviews literature on teenage contraceptive behavior and teenage contraceptive decision making. The paper describes the persistence of a sexual double standard in terms of moral motivation to use contraception and in terms of the relative lack of communication about contraception among young partners. (Author)

Examined the relationship between young Hispanic and African American womens' hormonal contraceptive use and condom use. Surveys of women at an inner-city health clinic investigated demographics, contraceptive practices, sexual behavior, condom use, and communication skills. Hormonal contraceptive use related to decreased condom use. Discussion…

Describes a study of the impact of a nurse training program for family planning that stresses the development of nurses' counseling skills. Found an association between improved family planning training for nurses and positive changes in family planning knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among women attending Egyptian Ministry of Health clinics.…

Compared fertility and menstrual characteristics and contraceptive practices of adolescents in maternal and infant care program. Hmong subjects were more likely to have live birth; Asians were usually married while Whites and Blacks were not. Asians were less likely to have used contraceptives and Hmongs were less likely to choose contraception…

Provides recent data on what prime time television is teaching about sex. Compares the frequency of various sexual behaviors with the frequencies measured by earlier studies. Finds an increase in rate of sexual behavior and no portrayal of possible consequences. (RS)

A methodology is developed based on axiomatic conjoint measurement to accompany a fertility decision-making model. The usefulness of the model is then demonstrated via an application to a study of contraceptive choice (N=100 male and female family-planning clinic clients). Finally, the validity of the model is evaluated. (TJH)

The Condom Attitude Scale by W.P. Saco and others (1991) was modified for use with adolescents. Four studies involving 595 African American and 52 white adolescents demonstrate acceptable internal consistency, a stable factor structure, and criterion and convergent validity with other measures conceptually related to condom use attitudes. (SLD)

Offers suggestions on the sensitive issues involved in sex education: involve the community; incorporate it into the curriculum; provide clear, direct prevention messages; provide good instruction; discuss abstinence before condom use; do not teach anything that parents, administrators, and the school board do not know about; and do not delay. (SM)

Male college students completed anonymous questionnaires on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related knowledge, attitudes, moral development, personality factors, and behaviors. Adolescents reporting multiple sex partners, drinking, and picking up sex partners were significantly more likely to engage in sex without condoms, as were adolescents…

Analysis of aggregate- and individual-level data for a national sample of white women suggest that adolescent nonmarital sexual activity and contraceptive use are shaped by the local opportunity structure and normative environment. Social disintegration, socioeconomic status, and availability of employment opportunities for women emerged as…

Reviewed is the debate over research and approval of the use of this drug in the United States. Potential benefits and side effects of the drug are discussed. The points of view of several government officials, scientists, and social activists are presented. (CW)