Identifying common patient dynamics is useful for developing social work practice sensitivity in health social work. This article draws on findings from a study of women who terminated desired pregnancies because of fetal anomalies and identifies dynamics that may be applicable to many health settings. Data suggest that women have expectations…

Few rape survivors seek help from formal social systems after their assault. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that prevent survivors from seeking help from the legal, medical, and mental health systems and rape crisis centers. In this study, 29 female rape survivors who did not seek any postassault formal help were interviewed…

A community-based, drop-in, self-help wellness center representing an empowerment approach to developing culturally appropriate health promotion for black women is described. The program, affiliated services, and jointly sponsored programs are reviewed. Relationships with supporting organizations, strengths and pitfalls of the model, and program…

This paper outlines and reflects on current procedures in Israel for requesting a late termination of pregnancy (LTP) and the subsequent decision-making processes, using data collected in 1995-97 from 183 women. Discusses the responsibility of the health system and social workers to address the need for enhanced support for women requesting LTPs.…

Despite having similar or better potential access to health care, women with disabilities experience worse health care and worse preventive care than nondisabled women. This study examined the health care of a national probability sample of 8,721 disabled and 45,522 nondisabled women living in the United States. Logistic regression models,…

AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed among female migrant laborers (N=32). Results are reported regarding knowledge and beliefs about AIDS transmission, knowledge and beliefs about condom use, and actual use of condoms. Needs for health education and services, sexual power, and other implications of findings are…

This article explores women's views on the positive and negative aspects of HIV. Many of the 55 women interviewed stated HIV was the motivation for positive changes. The physical symptoms, stigma, and limited life span were all shared negative experiences. Although the women demonstrated the ability to adapt, suggestions are given on how community…

In the Screening Older Minority Women project, the authors applied a community capacity-enhancement approach to promoting breast and cervical cancer screening among older women of color. Members of informal support networks were recruited for this health promotion intervention to empower Latina and African American women to engage in positive…

An education and screening program is described that teaches pregnant women about child abuse and domestic violence in an attempt to break the family cycle of abuse. Using a family centered approach, the Child Protection Center Program offers a model for social workers and medical providers to address the needs of abused children and battered…

The Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) was developed to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care, to improve the health status of medically underserved populations, and to assist communities to identify populations at risk. The needs of women of racial and ethnic minority populations are BPHC's newest initiative;…

Social ecological theory, social-work community organization models, and health-promotion models are brought together to address ways to generate change at the individual and policy levels, and to provide guidance for community health-promotion programs. An eight-year cancer-prevention project is presented as a case study. (EMK)