This study found no significant difference in the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigens or antibodies between 180 noninstitutionalized subjects (ages 1-29) with Down's syndrome and 155 subjects without Down's syndrome. This finding contrasts with previous findings with institutionalized Down's syndrome subjects. (Author/DB)

Discusses what is currently known about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including routes for the transmission of the AIDS virus, the prevention of AIDS, and some of the non-issues regarding the disease. Urges community leaders and teachers to become more involved in AIDS education. (TW)

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…

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…

Asserts that AIDS could undermine decades of progress toward improved health and sustained economic development in third world countries. Discusses the spread of AIDS, its multiplier effect, its impact on women and children, and international responses to the crisis. (TW)

Claims that the United States' inadequate response to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) crisis was more related to structural problems in the country's health system than with politics and social mores. (TW)

College students experience a great deal of life changes during their school career. This article reports on a study that observed how students reacted to life changes and how this influenced the incidence of illness and disease. Results and implications for health educators are presented. (DF)

This study investigated the thyroid function of 181 patients (mean age 14 years) with Down's syndrome and found more thyroid dysfunctions than in the general population. Periodic thyroid hormone function tests are recommended for Down's syndrome individuals, especially as they get older. (Author/DB)

Osteoporosis screening of 107 adults, ages 40 to 60, with mental retardation who attended community-based training centers found 21 percent had osteoporosis and 34 percent had osteopenia. The most significant predictor of lower bone mineral densities were Down syndrome, mobility status, and race. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

The final report of a statistical study of 1,737 childhood deaths in Maine from 1976-80 by cause and age also looks at distribution of deaths by cause and age in Maine's low-income population. The findings showed disease was the major cause of death (1,068 deaths) followed by accidents (578 deaths), suicide (50 deaths), and homicide (29 deaths).…

Discusses child morbidity, suggesting solutions can be found at the community level. Argues the federal government's role is essential in articulating policy and providing resources. Generates a new morbidity model emphasizing poverty and social factors as crucial influences. Lists priorities for effective, preventive, intervention planning. (NL)