Affluent Setting Research Articles

Patterns of dental caries following the cessation of water fluoridation

To compare prevalence and incidence of caries between fluoridation-ended and still-fluoridated communities in British Columbia, Canada, from a baseline survey and after three years. At the baseline (1993/4 academic year) and follow-up (1996/7) surveys, children were examined at their schools. Data were collected on snacking, oral hygiene, exposure to fluoride technologies, and socio-economic level. These variables were used together with D1D2MFS indices in multiple regression models. The prevalence of caries (assessed in 5,927 children, grades 2, 3, 8, 9) decreased over time in the fluoridation-ended community while remaining unchanged in the fluoridated community. While numbers of filled surfaces did not vary between surveys, sealed surfaces increased at both study sites. Caries incidence (assessed in 2,994 life-long residents, grades 5, 6, 11, 12) expressed in terms of D1D2MFS was not different between the still-fluoridating and fluoridation-ended communities. There were, however, differences in caries experienced when D1D2MFS components and surfaces at risk were investigated in detail. Regression models did not identify specific variables markedly affecting changes in the incidence of dental decay. Our results suggest a complicated pattern of disease following cessation of fluoridation. Multiple sources of fluoride besides water fluoridation have made it more difficult to detect changes in the epidemiological profile of a population with generally low caries experience, and living in an affluent setting with widely accessible dental services. There are, however, subtle differences in caries and caries treatment experience between children living in fluoridated and fluoridation-ended areas.

The impact of perceived material wealth and perceiver personality on first impressions

This study examined how wealth cues and the social image concerns of the perceiver influence interpersonal attributions about others. American college students ( N=150) read vignettes that described a man or a woman in either an affluent or not so affluent home setting. They then evaluated the target person on 20 personal qualities and indicated their desire to have the target's lifestyle. The affluent target was evaluated as having more personal ability (e.g., intelligence, self-discipline), more sophisticated qualities (e.g., cultured, successful), and a more desirable lifestyle than the not so affluent target. However, an “affluent people are not nice” stereotype seemed to be evoked, as the affluent target was rated as less considerate of others (e.g., less kind, likable, honest) than the not so affluent person. The appearance of affluence, at least in the American culture, is a powerful and unmistakable social testament to a person's ability, sophistication, and considerateness. The impact of personality differences in self-monitoring, social identity, and materialism were small relative to the impact of affluence cues.

Domestic violence in the emergency department: How do women prefer to disclose and discuss the issues?

The purpose of this study was to survey women presenting to the emergency department (ED) and determine from them how best to identify and discuss issues of domestic violence (DV). An anonymous 10-question survey was given to ambulatory females presenting to the ED. It was conducted at two affiliated university hospital EDs, one an urban trauma center (ED 1) and the other an ED in an affluent suburban setting (ED 2). Two hundred fortythree women responded (73% response), 153 (63%) from ED 1 and 90 (37%) from ED 2. There were 21 women (9%) currently being abused, and 109 (45%) were past victims. Of all victims, 40 (36%) would only divulge DV if asked directly, 28 (25%) would volunteer this information without being asked, and 12 (11%) would not report DV even if asked. Of women who would reveal DV only if asked directly, 52 (45%) felt very comfortable disclosing this to an ED physician, although only 27 (24%) would reveal DV at a triage encounter. Of past or current victims, 43 (39%) would not disclose DV if they knew that ED personnel were required to report it. In conclusion, the ED is an appropriate setting to discuss DV issues. A significant percentage of women will disclose DV only if asked directly about it. Many victims of DV feel very comfortable discussing DV with ED physicians and nurses, although they may be less likely to reveal DV incidents at a triage encounter. Mandatory reporting laws may be an impediment to identifying cases of abuse.

A Personal Growth Workshop to Improve Academically High-Risk Students' Attitudes toward Teachers

A one-group, pre-posttest design was used to evaluate the effects of a one-day workshop on improving attitudes of high-risk students toward teachers. Fifteen teachers in a high school which participates in an inner city transfer program and which is located in an affluent suburban midwestern setting, were asked to identify students whom they felt were at high risk academically, i.e., might possibly fail to graduate. Criteria used for selection of students included excessive absenteeism, behavioral problems, and poor gades. Of the 15 students who participated, six were from the inner city. A hall-day workshop based on the concept of team building, where participants gained a greater understanding of each other's motives and perspectives through the formation of ongoing bonds and alliances by establishing contracts to deal mote effectively with each other, formed the structured intervention for these students. Smdents and teachers were taken rhrough a series of human relations and group dynamics exercises, working alone and then in small groups. It was hypothesized that the workshop experience would help the students see their teachers as more concerned, available, fair, unbiased, and open-minded. A 32-item Likert-type questionnaire was administered to the student-participants of the workshop 16 days prior to the workshop and again 16 days afterwards. Four to eight questionnaire items were used ro measure each given construct.

Developmental Consultation Services in Two Communities

This study reports on the characteristics of children referred for developmental services in two different communities. Delayed language development was the most frequent presenting complaint. Children seen at the less affluent setting had significantly more severe problems at presentation. They were referred for evaluation of language problems at a significantly later age. Parents at both settings were aware of their children's problems. Recommendations for improving the early detection of developmental disabilities are outlined.

The mental health clinician in the affluent public school setting

This article explores problems and pitfalls confronting the mental health clinician working within a highly affluent public school setting. The special resources which affluent families bring to the assessment and treatment process are noted. Coping styles specific to very affluent and educated families are discussed which are brought into play in response to school dysfunction in a member and which can prove problematic for alliance building and effective intervention. Countertransference responses are discussed that relate to the particular status of the mental health clinician working as a member of the school staff with a wealthy client population. Bases for enhancing effectiveness are discussed, including recognition and management of countertransferance issues.

The child's home environment for lesbian vs. heterosexual mothers: a neglected area of research.

Much research on the lesbian experience has focused on assessing differences between lesbian and heterosexual adults. Less effort has been expended in analyzing the home environment of the child in a lesbian household. This study compares samples of lesbian and heterosexual mothers in terms of the home setting provided and the caregiver role vs-à-vis children. Results reveal a less affluent socioeconomic setting for the children of lesbian mothers. A strong child-development orientation was found among lesbian mothers, undermining the stereotype of lesbians as aloof from children.