The Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST) is a 37-item parental self-completion questionnaire designed to screen for high-functioning autism spectrum conditions in epidemiological research. The CAST has previously demonstrated good accuracy for use as a screening test, with high sensitivity in studies with primary school aged children in…

The "Recommendations for Institutional Prematriculation Immunizations" described in this article are provided to colleges and universities to facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive institutional prematriculation immunization policy. In response to changing epidemiology and the introduction of new vaccines, the American College Health…

This book is addressed to anyone involved with or affected by the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, including legislators, researchers, health care personnel, insurance providers, educators, health officials, executives in the pharmaceutical industry, blood bank administrators, and other concerned individuals. The following…

A policy statement by a group of experts on screening blood donations for contamination by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is presented in this document. This document provides policy recommendations formed by a consensus conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health…

This article reviews and critiques the research on possible genetic factors in stuttering. The failure to consider epidemiologic factors is thought to have biased previous research, but recent data provide evidence that spontaneous recovery and chronicity are influenced by genetic factors. Findings support previous conclusions about combined…

Summarizes the epidemiology of AIDS in children in the United States reported cumulatively from 1982 through September 1996, presenting rates for 1995, and discussing HIV surveillance and reporting for children. The data show that the incidence of perinatally acquired AIDS has declined, a trend that probably reflects the effect of perinatal ZDV…

The brief paper offers a model which permits quantification of the dental health care workers' risk of occupationally acquiring infection from bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus. The model incorporates five parameters such as the probability that any individual patient is infected and number of patients…

This article identifies several advantages to utilizing a systems approach to achieve the nation's health objectives, particularly in school health education. Corresponding shortcomings of the epidemiological approach, which forms the basis of federal public health objectives for 1990, are discussed. (IAH)

Employment outlook, working conditions, and training requirements for the following occupations are described: environmental engineer, epidemiologist, wetland ecologist, environmental trainer, emergency responder. (SK)

The epidemiology of adolescent suicide is summarized with particular emphasis on temporal trends by age and gender. "First-generation" prevention programs are examined, followed by a description of selective, targeted, "second generation" prevention efforts, which are focused toward targets of individual predisposition, the…

Examines cancer research policy and recent research that addresses the relationship between pollution, pesticides, and cancer. Discusses increasing cancer rates in children and opposing viewpoints on the impact of chemicals on cancer rates. (LZ)

Coping with the impact of a family member's head injury is one of the most difficult tasks that can confront a family. An overview of head injury etiology, sequelae, and impact on families is presented. Provides guidelines for counseling families of persons with head injuries and suggestions for research. (Author/JBJ)

Presents epidemiological data for levels and trends in suicide among elderly, focusing on U.S. figures. Details age, sex, race, marital status, and methods of suicide as factors in suicide among the old. Discusses past trends and future predictions of changes in elderly suicide rates. Notes data and literatures on parasuicides and survivors of…

Notes that substance abuse and sexual activity among adolescents place them at significant risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Discusses epidemiology of adolescents and HIV infection and examines health care reform aspects of linking and integrating substance abuse, mental health, primary care, and HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency…

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) aims to improve mental health services by funding research projects and research centers. NIMH also supports state planning, protection of and advocacy for the mentally ill, disaster relief, professional training, and public information programs. (DM)