Based on an in-depth study of 125 mothers of young infants in both urban and rural areas of Wisconsin, this study analyzed the utilization of preventive medical services for the infant. The hypothesis that "mothers who are more socially integrated will be more likely to use preventive medical services than those who are less integrated, controlling for socioeconomic status" was tested. Ninety-one urban and 34 rural mothers were interviewed when their babies were approximately 3-months old. Data were obtained on the mother's state of health, attitudes and feelings toward her life, use of the system for both well and sick care for herself and her infant, happiness, social activities, who she called on for help with the baby, and contacts with friends and relatives. Items were basically of three types: baby's preventive medical services--baby physical checkup since leaving the hospital (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and polio shots received); social integration item--family and secondary ties; and background characteristics--residence, mother's education, family income, poverty level of family, whether the mother had private health insurance, medicaid, or no health insurance. Findings included: the hypothesis was not confirmed; rural-urban differences emerged which seemed to be related to availability and accessibility of services; and mother's education was the only factor which helped explain utilization patterns. (NQ)