The nature of chronic infections in developmentally disabled children is reviewed, along with appropriate management strategies for care providers and implications for other children. Discussed are herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. (Author/JDD)

Current biological, immunological, and medical knowledge about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), including methods of preventing transmission, is reviewed and presented in a format suitable for inclusion in a social work curriculum. Various ways in which the information can be incorporated into…

Data on the incidence of hepatitis B viral infection are examined, and a telephone survey of 19 schools of optometry concerning administrative policy about student immunization is reported. Results show less than one-third of schools require student vaccination. It is recommended that schools mandate immunization for all students. (MSE)

Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1982-84, were used to examine lifetime prevalence (LTP) of childhood asthma among Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans. LTP was related to Puerto Rican ethnicity, birth outside U.S. mainland, low weight for age, male gender, poverty, urban residence, and single parenthood. Implications…

This paper summarizes a lecture given to pharmacy students that emphasizes the pathophysiologic mechanisms causing congestive heart failure and the effects of drugs on these mechanisms. The approach shows the importance of drug therapy in this disorder and how this knowledge can improve patient care. An appendix provides a case study. (GLR)

The article makes health educators aware of issues raised by a move from anonymous to confidential HIV testing. It examines implications of contact tracing and notification and of reporting requirements that identify HIV-positive persons to public health departments. Implications for health education professionals responsible for HIV test…

Recommendations are made for improving pharmacy education and practice concerning sterile products. Suggestions address curriculum and program design needs for each of these groups: pharmacy faculty; undergraduate and graduate students; pharmacy practitioners; pharmacy technicians; and production technicians. (MSE)

Measured the impact of managed care on the utilization of preventive health-care services by 867 inner-city Los Angeles families and assessed the relationship between insurance type, source of care, and access to immunization services. Results show that, lacking financial incentives, managed care is unlikely to improve immunization rates among…

A discussion of advancements in diagnosis of periodontal diseases looks first at the screening process, reviews specific periodontal diseases and their clinical signs and symptoms, and explains both traditional and newly developed diagnostic tests. A framework for understanding the tests' clinical usefulness is also presented. (MSE)

Reports a retrospective cohort study among students living in campus dormitories to examine potential risk factors for measles vaccine failure. As in secondary schools, measles outbreaks can occur among highly vaccinated college populations. Requiring two doses of measles vaccine for college entrants should help reduce measles outbreaks in college…

Samples from five water sources (spring, borehole, pond, stream, and well) in rural Nigerian communities were tested. Results include source reliabilities in terms of water quality and quantity, pollution effects upon water quality, epidemiological effects related to water quantity and waste disposal, and impact of water quality improvement upon…

Describes Healthy People 2000, national health objectives designed to guide health promotion and disease prevention policy and programs throughout the 1990s. The article provides the context for compilation of Healthy People 2000 objectives relating to school health detailed in subsequent articles in this issue. (SM)

Results of a 1988 survey of dental school deans concerning infection control instruction and protocols found increased attention to infection control and application of recommended protocols. Findings are contrasted with those of earlier studies, and remaining obstacles to implementation of infection control programs are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A Bernoulli process model of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is used to evaluate infection risks associated with various sexual behaviors (condom use, abstinence, or monogamy). Results suggest that infection is best mitigated through measures that decrease infectivity, such as condom use. (SLD)

Examines the effects of an instructional video on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of high school students concerning Lyme disease. Results indicate a positive and sustained increase of students' knowledge as a result of the short intervention but show less positive results for the long-term effect on students' attitudes and behaviors.…