The uses of theory in health advocacy: policies and programs.

This paper illustrates the utility of theory for health educators who advocate for health promotion policies and programs. It describes how diffusion of innovation and other social science theories were employed by a statewide coalition called the Health Promotion and Education Council of Virginia in its effort to reduce premature and preventable death and disability in the state. To this end the Council sought legislative action to accelerate the diffusion of health promotion throughout the state. Discussing elements of diffusion theory such as working through opinion leaders, creating information-exchange relationships, and tailoring the attributes of the innovation to achieve its objectives, the paper reviews the process through which the Council became an effective advocate, and the strategies it devised to communicate the innovation of health promotion to legislators. The legislation that was generated by the work of the legislative study committee and future uses of theory are also discussed.

Abortion, contraception and child mental health.

PIP: The experience of 87 girls, 15 years of age and younger, who were seen at Preterm, a freestanding abortion facility in Washington, D.C., from June-August 1972, is reported. Each girl was about 10 weeks pregnant and had vacuum aspiration abortions performed at Preterm. 65 of these girls had never used contraception. In postabortion counseling, 42 patients chose the pill for subsequent protection; 23 had an IUD inserted; 22 refused contraception. 32 records were selected at random from these 87 cases for more detailed study. The patients liked school with a ratio of 2:1. 1/3 came from a single parent home; most had siblings. The extent of their sexual experience was minimal. 3 cases are described in more detail. The main concern of this report is with the implications for prevention of mental disorder resulting from unwanted pregnancy. Abortion is an important form of birth control for this group because teenagers are least adept at getting and using contraception. Abortion is a lifesaving procedure and is decisive in preserving the options for personal development and mental health. It is suggested that sex education, available contraception and safe medical abortion be implemented and the child mental health programs include education on sex and family life for all age groups, including parents.^ieng