Patterns of health care in infancy in a rural southern county.

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Abstract
This prospective study of the health care experience of a sample of infants born to residents of a Southern county, [in North Carolina] included interviews with the mothers and visits to physicians, hospitals, and clinics providing care. A total of 375 infants from all segments of the population were followed from 2 months to 14 months of age. Attempts were made by using carefully constructed opinion survey items, an alienation scale and similar questions to learn what factors seem to influence the families choice and use of health care sources. Analysis was made using both the amount of "well-child care" and the type of health care (private or non-private) as the baseline. Mother education was the single most significant item related to both analyses. Only 10% of the infants received the usually recommended amount of well-child care. Forty one per cent received primary Immunizations against diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and smallpox. There were pronounced differences in health care received by white and Negro infants. When sources of health care and possible scheduling of well-child care appointments were examined, it was apparent that the recommended pattern of well-child visits is not available in this region from the sources utilized by the families of Negro infants and those white Infants In rural and lower socio-economic groups.
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