Analyses suggest that monthly rate of change in rat complaints is best explained by procedures which increase agency visibility, time-dependent cycles dictated by agency operation and intervention, and dynamics of a rat population. Effective rat control occurs when blocks are environmentally improved and annual cycle links weakened. (Author/MA)

This is a report on a water treatment conference. Drinking water contaminant removal and dual (potable and nonpotable) water supply are spotlighted. (BB)

The underlying philosophy of this model community-based patient education program is that patients have the right and the responsibility to participate in the management of their disease. (MM)

When one analyzes the kinds of behaviors that constitute hyperactivity and who is afflicted by hyperactivity, these behaviors can be seen to reflect a social rather than a medical problem. (Author/AM)

In this study of a hepatitis outbreak combined data revealed the source of contamination, septic tank leakage into a stream. Children playing in the polluted ravine were most affected. (MR)

College officials are finding that after three years of efforts to educate college students about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), many still don't think they are vulnerable and are not protecting themselves against the disease. More creative and personal AIDS education strategies are needed. (MSE)

Discusses appropriate steps to be taken in a day care setting to minimize the known risks associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Explains what CMV is; why people should worry about CMV; how it is spread; and how it can be treated and prevented. Suggests a number of hygiene practices for use in day care centers. (RWB)

The authors describe the principles and underlying assumptions that have guided the design of their STD (sexually transmitted diseases) initiatives, drawing special attention to the implications for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) health education efforts. (Author/CT)

This article addresses the concept of "special needs" as it applies to health promotion and disease prevention. The three sections of this article deal with three special subgroups of the general population: the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with cultural heritages that are not the same as the majority population's. (Author/CT)

A study was designed to assess faculty health behaviors at the beginning of each of the three years of a Health Promotion/Disease Prevention grant for comparisons over time. This article reports the results of the first comparison between the two faculties. (CT)

A serologic investigation of prevalence of immunity to hepatitis A (anti-HAV) was conducted in a rural school adjacent to a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. The results show rates of anti-HAV that are the highest reported at the ages tested in any subpopulation in the United States, comparable only with those in developing countries. (KH)

The University of Rochester (New York) has implemented a process to ensure that all students receive necessary immunizations. The immunization requirement is combined with a required health history form and has helped the college facilitate significant increases in immunity to rubella, measles, mumps, and tetanus. A description of the program is…

A three-year chart audit of a family-practice residency program measured physicians' compliance with recommendations of an adult immunization program. Physician compliance improved significantly for two vaccines when the chart was reorganized to highlight them but not for a third vaccine that was not highlighted. (MSE)

A review of great epidemics (rat-borne, plague, smallpox, cholera, influenza, rabies, tuberculosis) reveals the devastation they have caused. Success in the battle against these is being won through hygiene, sanitation, vector control, and vaccines, especially since microbiology has provided a rational understanding of the diseases. (Author/JN)