Between 1978 and 1980, qualitative and numerical data were collected in a health post facility located in Patzite, a rural village in highland Guatemala, in order to determine the effectiveness of rural health service delivery, including nutrition programs. Data were collected by: (1) interviews as to purposes and goals of general health care; (2) case descriptions of the types of programs implemented, and the day-to-day operations of a rural health facility; and (3) measurements of health and nutritional status of health care recipients. Certain programs such as immediate care, child vaccinations and food supplemental programs provided immediate benefits to recipients. However, these benefits were contingent upon the personal characteristics of health care services personnel. Other programs such as health and nutrition care education appeared to have more subtle and long-term positive effects. The Guatemalan health care system is "dendritic" or a centralized system. There is essentially no local control, input or involvement. On the other hand, little or no personnel and resources are provided by the national government, resulting in inconsistencies, disrupted resources, and constantly changing personnel. (ALL)