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Discusses the association of syphilis to drug use and prostitution in Connecticut and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annual rates of syphilis; Use of the information on patients' lifestyles to help locate sexual contacts; Decrease in the proportion of men with syphilis who reported sexual contact with men.

This article summarizes sexually transmitted disease (STD) knowledge, health care-seeking behaviors, and perceived advantages to seeking care from the perspective of 397 STD clinic clients interviewed between 1997 and 1999 in three northeastern cities. More than half reported a prior STD. Mean days delay in seeking treatment was 10.8. Reasons for delay included lack of knowledge especially about symptoms (44%) and inconvenience, especially clinic hours (46%). Major disadvantages to receiving care centered around embarrassment and stress (24%). Programs need to develop more intensive counseling for repeat clients, offer more flexible hours, address sources of stress inherent in their services, and develop better marketing strategies. Successful behavioral interventions, behavioral training, and creative approaches from the popular literature may be helpful.

Study Objective: To conduct a feasibility study of the mechanics of recycling single-use anesthesia breathing systems and practices of anesthesiologists and nurse-anesthetists in a tri-state region., Study Design: Two-part, open, prospective analysis using pre-printed questionnaire and cost/time analysis of labor and materials., Setting: Questionnaire sent to 413 anesthesiology departments in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and hospital/recycling facility for evaluation of time and cost., Measurements and Main Results: Time to disassemble and sort the breathing circuits, analysis of costs and obtainable income from byproducts of recycling, and standard survey questionnaire concerning demographic characteristics of respondents and individual department/hospital practitioners. Data analysis included analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Pilot analysis: Sorting of circuits to economic component required ten minutes at an average cost of $1.60 Value of scraps obtainable was $3.44, leaving a gross margin of $1.84 for a box of 18 circuits. Benefit analysis: Extended reduction in the regulated medical waste in our operating room of 16,875 lb, saving $4,387.50 per year. With generation of revenue from scrap, the net gain is $5,994.64 per yr. Questionnaire: Majority (83%) of departments polled would participate in recycling implemented by suppliers. Most respondents would not consider (58%) recycling unless mandated by law., Conclusion: The program described is cost-effective and environmentally beneficial.

Structural and functional features of social networks and demographic variables were explored in a study of 50 clinic-referred and 76 nonclinic black, low-income, single-parent families. Dysfunctional families evidenced asymmetrical reciprocity within network relationships and had more stressful home environments than did nonclinical families. It is suggested that diagnostic evaluation of these families should assess the level of meaningful support provided by the social network.