Use of medical services during a 2-month period in the Seattle-King County (Washington) jail

Total health care utilization in the Seattle-King County jail over a 2-month period in spring 1979 was studied. The annualized visit rate for men was 48 per prisoner per year, 2.6 times the rate for men studied in a long-term prison and almost 20 times the rate for men studied in the general population. The annualized rate for female prisoners was three times that of male prisoners. For all prisoners, the most common problems seen were skin conditions (9.7 percent), musculoskeletal (8.3 percent), and psychiatric (8.2 percent). An examination of practitioners' patterns in providing care demonstrated the primary role of registered nurses, who saw 70 percent of the patients. During the study period, 125 transfers were made to a hospital; 48.8 percent were for medical problems, 41.6 percent for trauma, and 9.6 percent for psychosocial problems.

Factors affecting perceptual functioning and activity in albino rats

The effects of crowding and estrus cycling upon visual observing behavior and general activity level in the albino rat were investigated. Experimental groups were composed of non-estrus or estrus females and were subjected to one of three different crowding conditions. Measures of the frequency and duration of observing of photographic slides were taken as well as a measure of general activity. Slides were composed of either geometric patterns or color photographs depicting rats in various social postures. Contrary to previous reports, observing measures did not vary with levels of crowding or stage of estrus. There were, however, differences among the various crowded conditions on a measure of general activity. Relatively short-term crowding was shown to affect estrus based cyclical variation in activity and observing.

Visual observing behavior in the albino rat: effects of nature and complexity of visual stimuli and stage of estrus

The effect of varying levels of complexity within two types of visual stimuli on observing behavior of albino rats (60 females, 30 males, CD Strain, Charles River) was examined. Measures of frequency and duration of looking, as well as measures of general activity, were recorded. Differences in duration of observing as a function of group membership and type of stimuli were obtained. Activity was affected by the level of complexity. A re-examination of the concept of complexity is suggested. Further delineation of variables affecting observing behavior is also needed.

Dimensions of parental involvement in pre-school programmes

This report describes an approach towards the clarification of the role of parent involvement in the decision-making process and assessment of preschool programmes. A model-placing involvement on a continuum is developed using as its endpoints high and low levels of parent involvement. The implications of this distinction in the decision-making process are examined from the viewpoint of practical consequences for all those concerned with maximizing the effects of various pre-school programmes. Finally, an example of a case of programme evaluation which actively sought high levels of parent involvement in the development of a behaviour rating scale is presented and an extension of the model to other aspects of a child's life is suggested.