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According to terror management theory, awareness of death affects diverse aspects of human thought and behavior. Studies have shown that older and younger adults differ in how they respond to reminders of their mortality. The present study investigated one hypothesized explanation for these findings: Age-related differences in the tendency to make correspondent inferences. The correspondence bias was assessed in younger and older samples after death-related, negative, or neutral primes. Younger adults displayed increased correspondent inferences following mortality primes, whereas older adults' inferences were not affected by the reminder of death. As in prior research, age differences were evident in control conditions; however, age differences were eliminated in the death condition. Results support the existence of age-related differences in responses to mortality, with only younger adults displaying increased reliance on simplistic information structuring after a death reminder.

This study analyses reproductive changes in Benin, a West African country with high fertility and low prevalence of use of modem contraceptive methods, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Findings indicate that a transition to lower fertility is underway, particularly in the urban areas, as a result of an emerging pattern of birth limitation and continued desire for the traditional long birth intervals. But only a small change has occurred in the main proximate determinants of fertility. The data suggest: that changes in childhood mortality in combination with increased women's education, though modest, have probably created a demand for fertility control among women; that induced abortion among other factors, may be one of the means through which such demand was met, particularly in urban areas; and that the economic crisis of the 1980s was the main catalyst which precipitated the onset of transition. Changes in reproductive preference and practice suggest a diffusion process, from the urban and more educated women to the rural and less educated ones. The data also reveal that the low prevalence of use of modem contraception may be associated with poor knowledge, widespread fear of side effects and complications and poor quality of family planning services. The main policy implication of these results is that an appropriate reproductive health programme is required to address women's needs and reduce the levels of unwanted pregnancies and induced abortion which are likely to be rising rapidly.

The worldwide maternal mortality rate is excessive. Developing countries such as Tanzania experience the highest maternal mortality rates. The continued exploration of issues to create ease of access for women to quality maternal health care is a significant concern. A central strategy for reducing maternal mortality is that every birth be attended by a skilled birth attendant, therefore special attention was placed on motivations and factors that might lead to an increased utilization of health facilities. This qualitative study assessed the perceptions of local population concerning maternal health services and their recommendations for improved quality of care. The study was conducted in the Karatu District of Tanzania and gathered data through 66 in-depth interviews with participants from 20 villages. The following components were identified as essential for perceived quality care: medical professionals that demonstrate a caring attitude and share information about procedures; a supportive and nurturing environment during labor and delivery; meaningful and informative maternal health education for the entire community; promotion of men’s involvement as an essential part of the system of maternal health; knowledgeable, skilled medical staff with supplies and equipment needed for a safe delivery. By providing these elements, the community will gain trust in health facilities and staff. The alignment the maternal health services offered to the perceived expectation of quality care will create an environment for increased attendance at health facilities by the local population.