A survey of 379 students in a private optometry college found that the students averaged 25.4 years of age, women students spent the majority of their early years in larger communities, and the educational levels of their parents were higher than those of men students. (MSE)

Describes social, economic, and demographic trends affecting children and families. Discusses how patterns of marriage, childbearing, divorce, remarriage, and mothers' employment in the paid labor force influence the lives of children. (SO)

Examines increasing rural to urban migration as caused by farming crises, employment cutbacks, slow rural population growth in 1980s, and slow rural recovery from recession. The migration was especially heavy during 1983-1986. Cites indicators showing possible future reversal. Includes charts, graphs, and maps. (Author/TES)

Expansion of women's schooling is associated with lower fertility and child mortality. This article provides demographic evidence and a framework for discovering how educational processes operate on maternal behavior. Findings from a study in Mexico focus on mother-infant interaction and social attitudes as important variables. Research needs are…

Examined Mexican-American and White children's perceptions of roles (of siblings and parents) and alliances (between parents and siblings) within their families. Tested whether assignment to roles and alliances was based on birth order and/or sex. Found birth-order and sex differences when treating Mexican-American and White samples separately.…

Secondary school enrollment will be reduced over the next 13 years, while elementary enrollment will begin to rise steadily. School district planning may include reduction in specialized courses, policies encouraging secondary teachers to retrain as elementary teachers, and "mothballing" buildings. (MLF)

A 1978 study of 262 migrant Hispanic farm women in Wisconsin showed they have greater numbers of children at younger ages, greater infant mortality, and use fewer contraceptive techniques. These patterns will continue until level of education improves for the children, thus increasing bilingual capacity and improving occupational opportunities.…

This report profiles the 2000 status of and changes (since 1990) in rates of health and health-related measures for racially and culturally diverse populations living in the 100 largest U.S. cities and their suburbs. Data came from the U.S. Census Bureau and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify patterns in race/ethnicity, foreign…

Noting prenatal and early childhood home visitation by nurses has had positive effects on birth outcomes in several at-risk populations, this study examined the impact of weekly home visits by systematically trained visitors on birth outcomes of high-risk pregnant women within the context of a Florida Healthy Start project. Participating were…

Examines fears of race genocide and selected social background factors among a random sample of Blacks in a rural Texas community. Findings revealed substantial fear of genocide on six indicators. Degree of fear varied with age, sex, education, and usage of birth control. (CMG)

Focuses upon number and spacing of children as perpetrators of normative stress. Effects are summarized and a typology of normative stress based on level of family impact is offered. Growth-enhancing aspects of stress are suggested in the context of the family as a system of mutual influences. (Author)

Relations of contraceptive behavior, problem behaviors, and health-protective behaviors were examined in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of sexually active adolescents. Findings demonstrate substantial organization among adolescent health and problem behaviors and suggest that contraceptive behavior should be conceptualized…

Analysis of data on 115 British children placed in local child protection registers prior to their 6th birthday found significant relationships between low birth weight, unintended pregnancies, poor health, and developmental problems in infancy and subsequent maltreatment. Also, mothers of registered children were less likely to have reported…

Assesses the complex problem of infant deaths in America and reviews the policy options before the nation. High infant mortality rates have been attributed to population heterogeneity, poverty, or differences in the way health services are organized. Links health policy issues to the larger issue of social and economic equity. (AF)

Household survey data and family histories from three highland Philippine communities were analyzed for differentials of age, sex, and birth order of siblings relative to the contributions they made to brothers and sisters. Apparent specializations among siblings provide evidence of role complementarity. (Author/TE)