Comparative study of social and family correlates of children's behaviour ratings.

Using an random sample of first-time mothers the associations between their children's behaviour problems at three points in time are presented. A moderate to low correlation was obtained between the ages of 27 and 42 months. No correlation existed between 14 and 27 or 42 months. The relationships between behaviour problems and social and family factors at each age were also examined. These generally increased with the children's age and included maternal depression, lack of social contacts, poorer relationships and housing problems. It is tentatively suggested that the differing patterns of associations at the three ages might indicate a progression, with increasing age, towards a more difficult situation for the families.

Usefulness of the on-line data base CANCERLIT: an evaluation study based on consecutive searches in CANCERLIT and MEDLINE for oncologists.

Two on-line data bases of the National Library of Medicine, CANCERLIT and MEDLINE, were evaluated in a user-oriented study for their usefulness for oncologists in cancer research and in clinical practice. The CANCERLIT data base was preferred for 12 of 16 literature searches requested by oncologists, and in 4 instances no preference was indicated. The implications of the study are discussed with regard to data base content and user preferences.

A longitudinal study of maternal depression and child behaviour problems.

Using a random sample of first-time mothers from an inner London borough, the relationship was examined between maternal depression and child behaviour problems at various stages after the birth of the child. Child problems at 14 months were unrelated to present or past maternal depression. Child problems at 27 and 42 months were related in an interactive way with present and past depression. There was little indication of behaviour problems preceding maternal depression. An examination of possible confounding factors in these relationships was also attempted.

Psychiatric aspects of pregnancy in schoolgirls: a review.

This review has searched the literature to examine the hypothesis that illegitimate pregnancy in girls of school going age is an indicator of underlying psychopathology and, in particular, that pregnancy or sexual activity provide a form of gratification for otherwise deprived young girls. Surveys suggest that precocious sexual activity is more common in disadvantaged young teenagers and that pregnant schoolgirls are especially likely to come from large families, and to have unskilled parents. There is a suggestion that the younger groups of pregnant teenagers come from unsatisfactory home backgrounds. However, these conclusions are derived from inadequate studies and should be treated with caution. Relatively few sexually active teenagers use contraceptives but there is no evidence that this represents a subconscious intent to conceive and there is greater support for more straightforward explanations. There is a further suggestion that girls who continue with their pregnancy when the choice for termination is available are more disadvantaged than girls who obtain a termination, although the reasons for this association are not clear. Children born to very young mothers appear to do less well than children born to older mothers. However, it may be that this difference can be attributed to greater overall disadvantages in the younger group rather than to specific age related deficiencies in 'mothering ability'. The problems of schoolgirl pregnancy are compounded by interruption of her schooling and early re-conception. There is evidence that these complications can be lessened by the provision of specially designed intervention programmes.