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A number of state-level pharmaceutical assistance programs have been established as a result of the growing recognition of the role of pharmaceuticals in the long-term care of the elderly. However, existing research does not provide a coherent expectation for patterns of use by rural and urban elderly. The data for this analysis are drawn from a larger study of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE). PACE provides prescription medicines for elderly who meet income requirements. The research project was designed to assess the characteristics of PACE program participants and non-participants on a wide range of issues. Chi-square analysis and regression models were used to assess the association between rural and urban residence and access to the PACE Program. The results indicate that rural/urban status of the elderly is not a significant predictor of the use of PACE. Other traditional variables (e.g., health self-rating and physician visits) did predict difference in the pattern of use.

Development of a profile of those who drink and drive is needed to more effectively deter this behavior. Using data from the 2001 NSDDAB (National Survey of Drinking and Driving Attitudes and Behavior), Bertelli and Richardson found that the existence of DUI (driving under the influence) statutes impacts only those least likely to drink and drive, while concern for the likelihood of arrest and individual agreement with the goals of drinking and driving laws significantly reduces propensity for almost everyone except the “extreme ‘hard core’ drinking drivers.” Using the same NSDDAB items, this study examined propensity to drink and drive for a sample of 58 offenders in a local DUI Court program. A majority of these known DUI offenders were problem drinkers. Results show that DUI offenders were not deterred by DUI statutes and perceptions of DUI law enforcement. Implications for deterrence theory and the legal legitimacy hypothesis are discussed.

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Current cross-campus computing initiatives demand both access and skill in employing technology as a tool for academic success. Consequently, lack of computer skills can affect first-year students' potential for success because many courses assume students are computer literate. In this study, 888 first-year students completed a survey—administered for three years—that examined technology variables. A chi-square statistic and associated p-value indicated that students' access to computers increased over a three-year period, albeit it was income-related. Results showed an improvement in word processing, Internet and library-searching skills, and developing computer-enhanced presentations. However, results from the last year of the study showed that more than 50% of students rated themselves unskilled at library-searching and developing computer-enhanced presentations, with approximately one-third of students rating themselves unskilled at e-mail. Implications for first-year student computer-training support are discussed.