Abstinence-Based Versus Service Learning Prevention Education in Small Groups: Effects on the Life Plans of Young Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of two types of pregnancy prevention programs on youths’ behavioral intentions. Before and after participating in a series of adolescent pregnancy prevention support group meetings guided by abstinence OR service learning curricula, 88 youth, ages 13 and 14 years, forecasted their future life plans. Repeated measures analysis with two groups by two time points was conducted to assess changes in life forecasts over time and differences between the programs. From pre-test to post-test in the abstinence-based program there was reduction in plans to have first baby before marriage (p < .05). There were no significant changes in youths’ forecasts regarding sexual debut in either group. Implications for research and practice are discussed.     

Economic and Psychological Benefits from Employment: the experiences and perspectives of mothers of disabled children

This qualitative research explores the perspectives and experiences of employed mothers of disabled children particularly with respect to the potential benefits of employment. Forty families with at least one disabled child, representing a variety of family structures and work situations, participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study clearly illustrate that the economic, psychological and social benefits for mothers of disabled children from participation in paid work are strikingly similar to those for employed mothers of non-disabled children. This suggests that the low level of labour force participation of mothers of disabled children in comparison with other mothers is most likely a consequence of the inherent ideological and structural barriers these women face, rather than their qualitatively differing needs. Streamlining of the benefits system, integration both within and between health, education and social services, increased flexibility in the workplace, and dialogue and co-ordination between all of these elements, may go some way to providing the support these mothers need.     

Book Review Striking a Balance: A Guide to Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organisations in International Development. By Alan Fowler. London: Earthscan, 1997

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations -     

"BY PUBLIC OPINION I MEAN"--

"Where all people talk on the same subject, they should be agreedabout the vocabulary with which they discuss it: or, at anyrate, they should be aware that they are not agreed."     

Partially Adaptive Estimation of the Censored Regression Model

Data censoring causes ordinary least squares estimates of linear models to be biased and inconsistent. Tobit, semiparametric, and partially adaptive estimators have been considered as possible solutions. This paper proposes several new partially adaptive estimators that cover a wide range of distributional characteristics. A simulation study is used to investigate the estimators’ relative efficiency in these settings. The partially adaptive censored regression estimators have little efficiency loss for censored normal errors and may outperform Tobit and semiparametric estimators considered for non-normal distributions. An empirical example of out-of-pocket expenditures for a health insurance plan provides an example, which supports these results.     

The Medical Profession and the State: GPs and the GP Contract in the 1960s and the 1990s

This paper examines the two major conflicts between general practitioners and the state in the mid-1960s and again at the end of the 1980s. In the mid-1960s morale in general practice was low, but GPs emerged with a strong endorsement from government for their professional autonomy. In 1990 morale was high, but government succeeded in imposing a new contract on GPs that sought to increase their accountability. GPs have always defended their status as "independent contractors". However, the paper argues that GPs saw this status as a means of protecting their professional freedom and autonomy. When the government treated them more as independent contractors in 1990 and demanded more specific terms, GPs did not like it. Furthermore, the new GPs' contract was introduced alongside the new internal market of the NHS, which has had further implications for GPs' status as independent contractors.     

Protecting Children and Young People from Tobacco‐Related Harm: A Review

Tobacco use continues to be a serious public health issue. Although declining in middle‐ to high‐income countries, smoking rates are often higher in disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups. Knowledge about tobacco‐related harm also tends to be incomplete. To date, legislation has focused on public domains, but the pressure to protect children in the home and other private spaces is fast becoming a focal point for potential legislation and intervention. Negotiating the boundary between privacy and protection is likely to become a matter of professional concern.