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The article deals with the data related to the establishment in Russia of public associations of maternal support of breast feeding initiated by the WHO/UNISEF international initiative "Baby friendly hospital". The breast feeding is mostly a concern of medicine and medical institutions of obstetrics and pediatrics and corresponding specialists such as obstetrician-gynecologist, neonatologist and pediatrician. Hence the issue of appropriateness of existence of such groups, their competence and relationship with medical personnel and forms of activity has to be considered From historical point of view, in Soviet health care accumulated very rich experience of effective cooperation of public activists of Russian Red Cross with public health bodies in implementation of preventive and health improving activities, including health education of population groups. The conclusion is made that to provide effective activities of voluntary mothers? Associations to support breast feeding their interaction is needed with medical personnel, the development of scientific-grounded programs of training of mothers-consultants and informational methodical and health education materials.

The results of monitoring of bad habits (smoking) among senior schoolchildren in 23 towns of Moscow Region are dynamically described in the paper for 2000-2003. Smoking-related specific features are analyzed with respect to the age and sex differences of teenagers. A database, comprising above 25,000 entries, was created on the prevalence of smokers among city schoolchildren.

The paper considers the topical aspects of the health status and sociomedical needs of children and adolescents; it shows it necessary to transform the activity of primary pediatric service facilities at the stage of reforming the country's public health system. The results of one of the largest sociological studies conducted among district pediatricians as to the organization of therapeutical-and-prophylactic and sociomedical and to children are discussed.

Discusses the problems of adolescent pregnancy and maternity in young age. Presents the sociohygienic characteristics of young mothers and their parents. Shows that the problem of young maternity became typical for complete and seemingly successful families in the majority of cases. Pays special attention to difficulties (material, communal, psychological, etc.) experienced by adolescent girls becoming mothers before they are 18. Validates the necessity of developing and introducing addressed programs of medicosocial support of young mothers and adolescent families, which should be aimed at the soonest possible solution of acute vital problems (communal, psychological, economic, medical (including contraception), those associated with completion of education, etc.).

Analyzes statistics of induced abortions as reflected at the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Russia. Puts forward the most significant medicosocial factors influencing the causes of pregnancy discontinuation. Analysis of the prevalence of induced abortions in different regions of Russia persuasively demonstrates the necessity of improving the state statistics of abortions for the realization of family planning programs.

Presents the results of a random social hygienic study devoted to family planning, carried out in the town of Tver and its region. The objects of this study were medical and university students and physicians specialized in obstetrics and gynecology engaged in family planning problems. Contraception behavior of young people was analyzed and the structure of contraception in Russia compared with that in countries with well-developed economy. Family planning problems viewed by present-day young people are discussed: the optimal marriage age and time of appearance of the first baby, the desired number of children, intergenetic intervals, and pregnancy outcomes. The attitude of obstetricians and gynecologists to contraception, their knowledge and skills in this sphere are analyzed. Shortcomings in the activities of obstetrical and gynecological service in family planning and contraception are discussed.

The article provides the research findings on the training of schoolchildren in family life within the limits of school education (training course on "Ethics and psychology of family life"). Organisational issues are described, shortcomings are revealed. By means of anonymous questionnaire survey of schoolchildren their awareness of different aspects of family life, the sources of information, the role of school and health workers in conducting this work among pupils, etc. is detected. Validated proposals on improving the preparedness of schoolchildren for family life, health protection in marriage, ensuring healthy progeny are provided.

The paper provides the results of a socio-hygienic survey of young families with 5-year length of family life. The study data on financial position, living conditions and lifestyle of these families are provided. The high prevalence of harmful habits in the young families and also some unfavourable features of their lifestyle were detected (low physical activity, irrational diet, etc). Low reproductive orientation of young spouses was noted mainly associated with unsatisfactory living and financial conditions. There is a discussion of the most urgent problems facing the young families which are mainly associated with social sphere.