Examines the relationship between social factors and low birth weight and the ways in which disparities in socioeconomic status have been addressed over time, and assesses the effectiveness of efforts to reduce low birth weight occurrences. The authors discuss the steps required to reduce persistent disparities in low birth weight. (GR)

Examines attitudes and responses toward epilepsy among families of 31 epileptic Tewa children, utilization of modern health care services, and parent reluctance to discuss traditional beliefs and healing practices. Discusses models of chronic illness behavior and the inadequacies of Indian Health Service treatment of epileptic children. Contains…

The Veterans Administration (VA) is a primary educator of optometry students, with each college of optometry being affiliated with at least one VA hospital. Ideally, fourth-year optometry students rotate through a specific VA facility for about 12 weeks. Guidelines are designed to provide optimum care in a rich learning environment. (MSE)

A growing discontinuity between medical education and the general health needs of society is examined. It is argued that there is imbalance in the training of health professionals because academic medical centers are dominated by supply-side thinking, driven by knowledge and technological advances, not patient and health expectations. (Author/MSE)

Many academic fields claim jurisdiction over health research and practice. The paper examines dominant conceptions of health as a personal quality or state of being, noting the market-oriented, competitive relationship among fields. It presents a socioecological conception of health which emphasizes individuals but also includes societal and…

A survey of 522 colleges and universities investigated the impact of health care reform proposals. Results provide an overview of typical current medical plan design, including coverage for part- and full-time employees, and give insight into attitudes toward the idea of regional health alliances, a potentially useful reform approach. (MSE)

Describes an approach to building a multidimensional HIV/AIDS prevention education model for college campuses based on surveys of students' and faculty members' knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS. The model emphasizes education, campus health services, campus environment, counseling and support services, and campus community coalitions. (SM)

Using national survey data, dental school clinic fees were analyzed over a seven-year period. Analysis looked at fees for specific procedures, fee trends in different specialty areas, and comparisons of fees in dental school clinics and private practice. A comparison between clinic fees and the Consumer Price Index was also made. (MSE)

The Texas Comprehensive School Health (CSH) Initiative assessed the status of CSH programs in seven public school districts using a case study approach. Results indicated considerable support for CSH programs but little coordination of programs. The districts were overwhelmed with other health responsibilities, so CSH programing was not a…

Presents an empirically derived model of school district decision making during recruitment into school health research projects, illustrating how sound research practices can be enhanced by applying systematic procedures to the recruitment and retention of schools. The article discusses how successful recruitment addresses political, economic,…

The following essential elements of programs that prepare physicians to care for at-risk children effectively are described: (1) active participation in children's care; (2) effective service programs for learning; (3) comprehensive, multidisciplinary, flexible, and intensive programs; and (4) program evaluation. The policy implications in…

This study compared 187 patients discharged from a Veterans Administration hospital rehabilitation unit with 215 discharges that occurred following implementation of a prospective payment system. There were no significant differences in demographics, self-care ability, or readmissions. Length of stay and referrals for home health care decreased,…

The University of California (Davis) has revamped its workers' compensation program by improving accountability and safety, implementing safety training, informing workers of the costs of the workers' compensation program, designating a physician and physical therapist, giving light duty to injured employees, using sports medicine techniques, and…

The paper addresses the potential of informatics to patient care quality assurance curricula, focusing on (1) terminology and developments related to quality of care evaluations; (2) criticisms of traditional approaches; (3) limitations of existing data sources for quality assurance in dentistry; and (4) quality assurance considerations in…

Addresses the causes for and implications of infant mortality. Besides the more immediate causes such as disease, nutrition, and lifestyle, there are the additional hurdles of government bureaucracy, lack of funds, and institutional attitudes that block access to prenatal care. Suggests structural solutions, including a consistent, individual,…