Reduced HIV risk behavior and increased use of care and support services have been demonstrated among adults accessing HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The impact of VCT on adolescents is, however, not known. Focus group discussions were held with adolescents and parents in two South African townships to establish the perceptions of and…

This document, the second of three volumes in the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment's "Adolescent Health" series, provides background information on aspects of adolescents' lives and examines the effectiveness of prevention and treatment interventions. Chapter 1, an introduction to this two-part document, provides a summary…

This 99-item bibliography gathers the widely dispersed nursing literature on refugees, including unpublished master's degree theses and conference proceedings. Nurse researchers, more than researchers in other health care fields, have undertaken exploratory studies to document and interpret the health beliefs and health care practices of various…

A study examined the types and amounts of information expectant mothers need during their pregnancy, as well as their satisfaction with their physicians. Seventy women who had given birth within the previous 4 years completed a questionnaire eliciting information they received during pregnancy, their satisfaction with their physician, and…

This document contains witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing held in Chattanooga, Tennessee to gain that state's perspective on catastrophic health insurance. Opening statements are included from Representatives Marilyn Lloyd and Claude Pepper. Two panels of witnesses provide testimony. The first panel,…

In response to Congressional requests, this report describes the extent of Hispanic American health and nutrition data available from federal sources. Oversampling of a minority group by a national survey is necessary for valid analysis of group characteristics. Among the four national health and nutrition surveys conducted by the Department of…

This document presents witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to examine reports of inappropriate, at times illegal, denials of critical home health care to sick older Americans. In his opening statement, Senator John Heinz presents examples of victims who were denied proper…

This document presents witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Senate hearing held in Birmingham, Alabama to alert the public to the problems associated with catastrophic illness; learn what community services exist for older adults; and clarify what requirements for services, research, and education must be met to formulate an…

The report reviews obstacles to meeting the needs of disabled and nondisabled children throughout the world. Health, nutrition, and education crises affecting children, especially in developing countries, are reviewed. Practices which promise greater return for each dollar are cited, including using paraprofessionals, building on community…

At the request of the Community Hospital Education Council of Florida, this study was performed to assist the Council in its function of helping to provide a continuing supply of highly trained physicians, in the appropriate specialities, in the communities where they are needed. The objective of the study was to conduct an accurate inventory, by…

Surveyed patients and families who used hotline emergency service in ambulatory day treatment center for frail elderly. Results revealed appropriate use of service: Most calls required medical intervention, including hospitalization in 31 percent of cases. Findings suggest that 24-hour medical coverage is necessary and cost efficient. (Author/NB)

The article considers the many contributions of school breakfast programs to children's health and academic achievement and also suggests ways in which greater student and school participation in such programs can be achieved. (CB)

Examined perceptions of wellness among college students (N=3,190) from 11 different colleges using Hettler's six wellness dimensions (physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, social, and intellectual). Found support for belief that the dimensions had an effect on overall wellness. Rated physical dimension most important, followed closely by…

Argues that current reductions in public support for health care and the rise of a free market health care system will increase the death rate and life expectancy disparities that exist between Black and White Americans. (GC)

Assessed service utilization and cost impacts of a consolidated model of long-term care for functionally impaired elders. Compared to traditional long-term care, this model reduces hospital and nursing home stays, redistributes funds to broad range of community-based services, and reduces overall cost of long-term care. (Author/NRB)