bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Equity of School Finance Systems Over Time: The Value Judgments Inherent in Evaluation
Authors: Berne Robert , Stiefel Leanna
Published: March 2007

Numerous value judgments are embedded in the standards utilized to evaluate whether a school finance system has become more or less equitable over time. A four-component framework is proposed to high light these value judgments in equity standards. Data from twenty states are analyzed to demonstrate that alternative value judgments affect the measurement of a state's movement toward or away from equity. Implications for policymakers and administrators are discussed.
The Effects of School Desegregation and Other Factors on "White Flight" from an Urban Area
Authors: Cusick Philip A. , Gerbing David W. , Russell Ernest L.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a causal analysis of "white flight" from Pontiac, Michigan. The purpose of the research was to establish the relative importance of forced busing in relation to other variables, such as the perception of the quality of urban life. Discriminant analysis and path analysis were used in the treatment of data.
The Political Economy of School District Administration
Authors: Michaelsen Jacob B.
Published: March 2007

The basic elements of the recently developed public choice model from economics are reviewed and applied to school districts. Using the goal- focused and goal-displaced types of districts, the behavioral differences between these "ideal" types are analyzed. Implications of the public choice approach for understanding organizational behavior in school districts and also for organizational theory are suggested by the author.
Fighting against the odds: Hong Kong journalists in transition
Authors: Chan Joseph Man , Lee Chin-Chuan , Lee Paul S.N.
Published: March 2007

Hong Kong's media have been in a state of flux, prompted by the colony's prospective reversion to Chinese control in 1997. The media have acquiesced to China as a new power center in editorial and organizational terms. With a sample covering half of the journalist population (N = 522), this study represents the only major survey examining the impact of political transition on working journalists in Hong Kong. The political ideology of the journalists is found to relate systematically to organizational control, social and professional outlook, self-censorship, and aspired media roles. Despite the ideological polarization in Hong Kong, journalists express considerable pessimism about the future of the island and that of their profession. While journalists are apprehensive toward criticizing China, many aspire to use the mass media to maximize local interest. Norms of media professionalism are widely accepted among journalists alongside their sharp partisan rifts.
Inter Press Service and the MacBride Report: Heeding the call?
Authors: Giffard C. Anthony , Van Horn Catherine
Published: March 2007

Inter Press Service throughout its history has tried to offer news with a developing-world perspective. But just how successful is the Inter Press Service today in countering the information imbalances pointed out by the MacBride Report? This study examines the content of Inter Press Service news to find out. In particular, the study looks at how well the news agency addresses four specific concerns of the MacBride Commission: improving South-South flow of news, improving South-North flow of news, changing the focus of news about developing countries, and increasing the diversity of actors represented in the news.
Broadcasting and the state in India: towards relevant alternatives
Authors: Thomas Pradip N.
Published: March 2007

This paper deals with the future of public broadcasting in India. It examines the concept of the 'public', and traces its history and present status, particularly with reference to the model adopted in the United Kingdom. This foregoing analysis is linked to an examina tion of public service broadcasting in India. Its history, evolution and present status, is situated within the contemporary political economy in India, as well as the new communica tions environment. The paper concludes by defending the 'space' for public broadcasting in India, provided the State grants it genuine autonomy inscribed within a 'peoples' mandate.
Photographic content in Chinese newspapers
Authors: Kenney Keith R.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study is to understand forces shaping photographic content and to learn about the content of photographs in a variety of Chinese newspapers. Unstruc tured interviews were conducted with photojournalists and editors at eleven newspapers and Xinhua news agency. They show how politics, economics and journalistic routines shape content. Subject matter, direction and style categories were used to analyze photographs in a sample of nine papers - two with country-wide circulation and seven regional papers. It was found that entertainment was a primary function of photos. Economic news and educa tion/indoctrination also were common subjects. Almost none of the images were negative and more than half were posed.
"Opening the Pandora's box": Were the American media guilty of negligence in disclosing Tiananmen protestors' identities?
Authors: Lubo Li
Published: March 2007

This paper examines a legal issue stemming from the American media's coverage of the 1989 pro-democracy movement in Beijing. A review of the four elements of negligence and the balancing approach in previous court decisions shows that a cause of action could be established to hold some U.S. media liable for negligence in disclosing the identities of the protestors and subsequently in causing severe harm by making them vulnerable to persecution and arrests. Such litigations could have serious legal and ethical implications for media that engage in international communication, and also add to the complexity of media negligence tort in an international context.
Speaking to the foreign audience: Chinese foreign policy concerns as expressed in China Daily, January 1989–June 1993
Authors: Stone Robert , Binyan Liu
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the foreign policy priorities and concerns of the People's Republic of China as expressed by that nation's official international, English language publication, China Daily. The paper argues that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, the official Chinese press can be a useful tool in assessing Chinese foreign policy priorities as result of its propaganda function. Within this paradigm, it finds that China's primary foreign policy priorities are sovereignty and territorial integrity and that China considers itself primarily a regional rather than a global power. It concludes that China's foreign policy is driven by pragmatism rather than ideology because of China's domestic project of economic development.
State-press relationship revisited: A comparison of foreign policy coverage on the Hong Kong 1997 issue by three newspapers
Authors: Chan Sophia
Published: March 2007

Research in media diplomacy often concluded that media took a pro-government stance in covering foreign affairs. This study tested this finding by content analysing the coverage of the Hong Kong 1997 issue by the New York Times, the Times of Britain and the People's Daily of China. The data indicated that the two western newspapers departed significantly from their governments’ respective positions on the issue, while the People's Daily has followed Beijing's stance on the issue all along. The result challenged the viewpoint of ‘media as governments’ cheerleaders’. A more dynamic approach to media diplomacy research is suggested.
Press systems and media-government relations in the Czech and Slovak republics
Authors: Wilson Tracie L.
Published: March 2007

Post-communist realities have made it necessary for the media in East Central Europe to redefine their role. Yet politicians and journalists in the region hold a wide range of views about what that role should be. Although united for over fifty years, the newly independent Czech and Slovak republics have inherited significantly different economic and political conditions, which have contributed to differences in their respective press systems and to the development of very different relationships between the government and media. Yet despite divergent views on the media's role, media policy in both countries will be increasingly determined by economic factors. The following paper examines these issues.
Direct satellite broadcasting in the Arab Gulf region: Trends and policies
Authors: Ayish Muhammad I. , Qassim Ali
Published: March 2007

During the past decade, the six Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) states, comprising of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain have taken long strides in the development of their mass media and national telecommunications infrastructures. One of the areas positively affected by this trend has been direct satellite broadcasting and reception. Not only have AGCC states made possible their populations' exposure to DBS television programming, but they themselves have become active participants in international satellite broadcasting, some of them are even beaming their TV materials on an around-the-clock basis.

This study argues that the rise of DBS in the Gulf is part of a three-decade trend of commu nications development in the region whereby national broadcasting systems in the six states have acquired high degrees of sophistication and maturity. The study notes that major DBS broadcasters to the Gulf region range in background from CNN International, to Middle East Broadcasting Center, London, to the French International Channel (CFI). Local Gulf popula tions watch DBS programs through direct-to-home transmissions, telecasts of selected foreign and Arab satellite services by national TV channels, and finally through microwave distribution systems.

The authors note that while DBS in the Arab Gulf region is here to stay, it has to be approached with a balanced vision that takes into account the national interests of Gulf societies and media systems. While total blackout approaches seem to be unrealitistic in light of accelerating innovations in DBS reception techniques, openness to international television via satellite should serve as a means of fostering intercultural interactions and of enhancing national media performance.
Comparing the effects of mass media and telecommunications on economic development: A pooled time series analysis
Authors: Jianguo Zhu
Published: March 2007

This study attempts to test the causal relationship between communication and economic development and compare the magnitude of the economic contributions of mass media and telecommunications. 17 year's data from 23 countries were collected and subjected to pooled time series analysis. It is found that while both mass media and telecommuni cations contribute to economic development, telecommunications tends to contribute more and manifest its economic effect more rapidly. The finding that mass media have delayed effects somewhat revives the early notion of "empathy" in development communication. In the meantime, the immediate effect of telecommunications detected in this study justifies many countries' policies that give priority is to telecommunication investment.
The development and uptake of health and safety interventions aimed at small businesses
Authors: Dugdill Lindsey , Kavanagh Charlie , Barlow Jill , Nevin Ian , Platt Gareth
Published: March 2007

Between 1996 and 1998, a health and safety support project (SAS Project) was developed in a deprived area, within an industrial city, in the North West of England. The aim of the project was to provide an infrastructure of health support for the small-business community. The approach taken was one of 'facilitative action' to enable businesses to learn about health and safety, describe their own personal needs and be involved in intervention development. This approach was very different from the 'expert-led' consultant model of health and safety support. By working with the small-business community over an 18-month period, trusting partnerships were established between the project workers and local businesses. This enabled a series of four relevant health and safety interventions to be identified. The uptake and perceived benefits derived from these interventions are detailed in this paper. The results of this study indicate that some small businesses will take up health and safety support if it is offered in an appropriate way, at an affordable cost and is relevant to the immediate needs of the business concerned.
Governance and health promotion: a case study of medication education
Authors: Latter S. , Yerrell P. , Rycroft-Malone J.
Published: March 2007

Findings from a research study investigating nurses' educational preparation for and practice of their role in educating patients about medication identified that the inclusion of patient education in clinical interactions has implications for the governance of clinical practice - an agenda now being implemented in UK health contexts. A review of patient education, concordance (compliance), health promotion and pharmacology literature was undertaken to illuminate the current status of the evidence for effective medication interactions. Obser vation ( n =48) and audio-recordings ( n = 37) of nurse-patient interactions about medication were collected in seven different contexts focusing on adult and older-person, mental-health and community-nursing settings. Post-inter action interviews with nurse ( n = 29) and patient (n = 39) participants were conducted to explore views on the observed interaction and to attempt to identify intended outcomes of the interactions. Issues highlighted by the research concern: the need for a pluralistic understanding of what might constitute the evidence base for practice; a requirement to recognise the com plexities of professionals' and patients' perspectives on what constitutes qual ity ; the need for caution in the application of generic 'standards' to individualised care contexts, coupled with the problem of what counts as effective outcomes. The recognition of such concerns is posited as a critical ingredient in the process of clinical governance.
Sexual health services: a study of young people's perceptions in Northern Ireland
Authors: Donnelly Carolyn
Published: March 2007

In order to assess young people's views on the best way to target and provide sexual health services within the Southern Health and Social Services Board area of Northern Ireland, qualitative research using six focus groups of young people was carried out. Young people who participated in the six groups identified common barriers to the uptake of sexual health services, and also specific local obstacles. They highlighted the need for specific young-person- centred sexual health services that are accessible, acceptable and sensitive to their particular needs. Any future sexual health services commissioned by the Board should take account of the findings of this research.
Developing practice with health and social care professionals on smoking and pregnancy in Northern Ireland
Authors: O'Doherty Elaine , Casson Karen , Black Mary , Hasson Felicity , Griffith Maureen
Published: March 2007

This paper describes Phases One and Two of a project on smoking, cessation in pregnancy: the process of reaching consensus and developing feasible, evi dence-based guidelines. Phase Three of the project is piloting the guidelines, and Phase Four is ascertaining how women feel about use of the guidelines. The framework of nine key points is for use by any health and social care professional, and is being piloted in one health and social services board area in Northern Ireland. It is envisaged that the impact of the framework will be complemented by local policy, and education and training on holistic approaches for professionals.
Hypertension: what do people think? A survey in Northern Ireland of public knowledge and attitudes concerning high blood pressure
Authors: Willis CE , Gaffney B. , Yarnell Jwg
Published: March 2007

A population-based survey of adults in Northern Ireland was conducted on the awareness of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of measures of pre vention. Almost all subjects (92 per cent) had had their blood pressure checked, most within the last five years. The majority were aware that high blood pressure is detrimental to health, but there was a low awareness of measures of prevention. Of those reporting high blood pressure, less than half recalled being given advice on lifestyle changes, and many chose medication rather than lifestyle modification as being most likely to lower it. Increasing public awareness of the relationship between hypertension and lifestyle is indicated, possibly best delivered through primary care professionals.
A Question of Access: An exploration of the factors that influence the health of young males aged 15 to 19 living in Corby and their use of health care services
Authors: Richardson Christine A. , Rabiee Fatemeh
Published: March 2007

Objective To explore the factors that influence young men's access to health services with a view to identifying the potential for health promotion interventions in this area.

Design A qualitative study using a semi-structured interview schedule with small groups of young men.

Setting Interviews were carried out in the field within school and youth settings.

Method A series of three focus group interviews were used as a means of gathering qualitative data.

Results It was found that participants consistently equated health to physical fitness, and help-seeking behaviour was dictated by social norms. These demanded that a problem should be both physical and sufficiently severe to justify needing help. General Practitioners (GPs) were not a popular choice for confiding because of discomfort associated with communication issues, unfamiliarity and feelings of vulnerability. In some cases this was expressed using homophobic comments. Participants were more likely to confide in female key workers with whom they had an established relationship.

Conclusion The complex factors influencing help-seeking and access to services require that health promotion interventions embrace a social model of health. Clients attitudes and beliefs about health and health services need to be considered within a cultural context taking into account the sociological and environmental conditions in which they live. When providing health service to young men, issues such as com munication, and vulnerability should be considered and it should not be assumed that young men would prefer to see male health professionals.
HIV prevention and sexual health services for sex workers in the UK
Authors: Cooper Kate , Kilvington Judith , Day Sophie , Ziersch Anna , Ward Helen
Published: March 2007

Background Sex workers were targeted for HIV prevention work from the mid-1980s and budgets were allocated for services and projects with a specific component of HIV prevention. We look at changing trends in service provision in the UK during the 1990s.

Methods Two surveys of services for sex workers were conducted: one in 1995 and the other in 1999. We documented different approaches to health promotion through questionnaire and telephone interview at these two points in time, as well as associated funding and support.

Results Eighty-one services were identified in 1995 and 124 in 1999. There was an increase in services for young people and those based in genitourinary medicine clinics. Most services conducted outreach and shared a common approach to health promotion, based on harm minimisation. Funding did not change significantly and the major source of support continued to be local health authorities.

Conclusion Despite the fact that sex workers are no longer a general priority for HIV prevention work, services have proved to be surprisingly resilient. Projects have developed a holistic approach, linking community intervention to specific health promotion, a model that may prove useful for new government initiatives in relation to health inequalities and social exclusion.
Model of organisational stress for use within an occupational health education/promotion or wellbeing programme - A short communication
Authors: Palmer Stephen , Cooper Cary , Thomas Kate
Published: March 2007

This paper introduces a simple model of organisational stress which can be used to educate or inform employees, personnel and health pro fessionals about the relationship between potential work-related stress hazards, individual and organisational symptoms of stress, negative outcomes and financial costs. The components of the model relate directly to a recent Health and Safety Executive publication1 which focuses on improving and maintaining employee health and wellbeing.
Sustainability and evidence of success: An 18-month follow-up study of the Doorstep Walks initiative
Authors: Vernon M. , Brewin M.J. , Vernon D.
Published: March 2007

Objective To assess the sustainability and evidence of success of an independent walking initiative titled Doorstep Walks.

Design A retrospective follow-up study using a self-administered questionnaire.

Setting The city of Salisbury in the county of Wiltshire with a population of approximately 24,000.

Method A postal questionnaire was administered to recipients of the Doorstep Walks pack ( n=322) 18 months after its intervention.

Results Sustainability was noteworthy at 18.6 per cent of the initial cohort with approximately one in six continuing to use the resource 18 months after initial participation. Frequency of use remained similar to the original cohort with approximately one in four doing between one and five walks per 3-month period. The sustainability of reduced short car journey use and encouragement to go on 'alternative' walks was also demonstrated ( 1 in 8, and 1 in 7 respectively).

Conclusion Whilst the initiative has a prominent appeal to the 'active' its success in encouraging the 'sedentary' to become 'active' has also been demonstrated, although this is based on subjective, self-reported evidence. It is suggested that further attention be focused on the influence of the pack in encouraging alternative walking and use of walking as a mode of transport. The paper considers the value of the findings in the further development of such initiatives and in formulating an evidence base of success. Further research examining the effective targeting of such schemes and their longer-term impacts is recommended.
Evaluation of feasibility and acceptability of a community pharmacy health promotion scheme - views of users and providers
Authors: Blenkinsopp Alison , Tann Jennifer , Platts Adrian , Allen Judy
Published: March 2007

Objectives To analyse client uptake and obtain feedback on pharmacists' health promotion interventions; to consider pharmacists' perspectives on providing health promotion inputs.

Design Telephone interviews with clients, stakeholders and pharmacists. Analysis of client questionnaires.

Setting Community pharmacies in one health authority area in England. Method Eleven community pharmacists took part in a scheme to offer health promotion advice to the public about four topics: exercise, dental health, smoking cessation and medicines. The scheme used a behavioural change model drawing on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and Motivational Interviewing. The pharmacists received a specific training programme (six days in total). Clients were offered a brief 'Level 1' intervention with a second, extended 'Level 2' where the pharmacist and client thought it necessary. The evaluation included interviews with clients (29), participating pharmacists (9) and stakeholders (7) together with an analysis of client feedback questionnaires.

Results In total 301 Level 1 and 30 Level 2 interventions were provided by the pharmacists. The most popular topic was smoking cessation (140 Level 1 and 29 Level 2) and the least popular, exercise (21 Level 1). Client questionnaires and interviews showed that clients valued the advice they received. Pharmacists' motivations for participating and their level of proactivity and networking were variable. There was some evidence that limiting the pharmacist's input to one Level 1 and one Level 2 session may provide insufficient flexibility to meet clients' needs. Furthermore, while the TTM has a good fit with some health promotion topics, there are others where a straightforward information-giving model might be more suitable.

Conclusion The health promotion scheme was well received by clients, many of whom had not previously sought health advice from the pharmacist. The findings of this study should give pharmacists more confidence to proactively offer health promotion advice to clients and indicate scope for extending the provision of such advice.
Speech practices that facilitate patient participation in health counselling - A way to empowerment?
Authors: Kettunen Tarja , Poskiparta Marita , Karhila Päivi
Published: March 2007

Objective This study described nurse-patient communication during health counselling and focused on the linguistic realisations of empowering speech practices that emphasised patient participation. It aimed at a description of nurses' speech practices that facilitated the inclusion of patients' perspectives and preferences and encouraged patients to express themselves.

Design and setting Thirty-eight videotaped nurse-patient health- counselling sessions that were conducted in a hospital were transcribed verbatim.

Method The analysis of the videotaped data was based on the adaptation of Conversation Analysis (CA) and was carried out on a turn-by-turn basis.

Results The research material revealed that affective questions and tentative speech, together with continuers, facilitated active participation by patients. Thus, patients were free to discuss their ideas, concerns, experiences, and knowledge with nurses. The findings indicated that nurses were able to establish collaboration and involve patients in their own frame of reference.

Conclusion The results emphasised partnership and reciprocal conversation, with nurses' social and emotional skills at the heart of the ' encounter. The findings may advance professional understanding of patient-centred empowering practice, which has until now remained at a conceptual level. The results may be useful for developing health counselling and for designing training programmes for nurses.
The Struggle to Quit: Barriers and Incentives to Smoking Cessation
Authors: Moffatt Jenny , Whip Rosemary , Moffatt Jenny
Published: March 2007

Objective Decades of research into smoking cessation have created a plethora of knowledge yet quit rates continue to be low and relapse rates high. In order to better understand this complex behaviour, this paper examines incentives and barriers to smoking cessation for a high risk group.

Methods The successful and unsuccessful quitting experiences of twenty- five blue collar males with pregnant partners were examined using semi- structured interviews.

Results Indicators which differentiated between successful and unsuccessful quitters were awareness, approach to quitting and whether the participants had a cultural or direct relationship with smoking.

Conclusions This study provides insights that give direction for both new approaches to tailoring smoking cessation programmes and further research.
Safe Schools and Sexual Harassment: the Relationship between School Climate and Coping with Unwanted Sexual Behaviour
Authors: Timmerman M.C.
Published: March 2007

Objective To explore the impact of the school climate on adolescents' reporting of sexual harassment.

Design A quantitative survey among students in their 4th year of secondary education.

Setting Questionnaires were completed in a class setting.

Method An a-select sampling strategy was used to select 2808 students in 22 schools.

Results Findings indicate that a safe school climate is not enough for students to speak freely or report unwanted sexual experiences. Of more importance is an atmosphere where, generally speaking, sexuality is a topic for (an open) discussion.

Conclusion Good sex education classes (as perceived and evaluated by the students themselves) provide students with the communicative tools necessary to talk about their experiences of unwanted sexual behaviour.
A survey of food projects in the English NHS regions and Health Action Zones in 2001
Authors: Caraher Martin , Cowburn Gill
Published: March 2007

Background and Objective This article sets out the findings from an analysis of food projects, with a particular emphasis on fruit and vegetables, from the 26 Health Action Zones (HAZs) in England and those taking place within the former NHS regional areas in 2001. The objective was to gather information on the existing practice to inform future work. Methods A series of interviews with key informants in the London area and a review of all the London Health Improvement Programmes and Coronary Heart Disease Local Implementation Plans were used to inform the development of an interview schedule and questionnaire. A second phase consisted of interviews with leads in the NHS Regional Offices. The third phase involved distribution of a questionnaire to the 26 Health Action Zones (HAZs).

Results Comprehensive data on food projects was not routinely available. The large number of initiatives related to food led some respondents to feel unsure as to under which policy to locate their food and fruit and vegetable work. Projects tended to be based on the development of skills (for example, cooking classes) or on a settings approach such as activities in schools or workplaces. A strategic focus was reported as being more common at a local level. Evaluation of food projects was at an early stage in many areas.

Conclusions The future sustainability of food and fruit and vegetable projects was identified as a Key issue. Future policy development of food projects need to be clearly guided by a coherent policy focus and an integrated approach which clearly tackles the root causes of food access and poverty.
Cross infection: How frequently do dentists change into a clean set of clinical clothing?
Authors: Qureshi Usman M. , Siddiqui Saqib , Macfarlane T.V.
Published: March 2007

Aim To investigate the types of clinical clothing worn by dentists and how frequently dentists changed into a clean set of clinical clothing. Study Type Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.

Sample Two hundred and fifty general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the NHS with North West of England region and 250 dentists in the Dental Defence Agency (DDA).

Method A questionnaire was developed which aimed to investigate the types of clothing worn for upper and lower body protection, and how frequently it was changed. This was posted to the sample of dental surgeons. Results Ninety per cent of GDPs and 99 per cent of DDA dentists reported wearing some form of clinical clothing to protect their upper body. Twenty-nine per cent of GDPs and 93 per cent of DDA dentists wore some form of designated clinical clothing to protect their lower body. Less than 50 per cent of both groups reported changing clothing on a daily basis. Thirty-six per cent of GDPs and 96 per cent of DDA dentists removed their clinical clothing before leaving work.

Conclusion Dentists generally wear appropriate clinical clothing for their upper body protection but fall short of the guidelines for lower body protection. To improve cross infection control dental surgeons need to improve the frequency of changing into a clean set of clinical clothing.
Attendance of exercise referral schemes in the UK: A systematic review
Authors: Gidlow Christopher , Johnston Lynne Halley , Crone Diane , James David
Published: March 2007

Objective The aim of this review was to explore attendance of UK exercise referral schemes (ERS), who attends them, why participants drop out of schemes and to compare evaluations of existing ERS with randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Design Systematic review.

Method A search of major databases was conducted to identify studies investigating ERS interventions that were based in primary care in the UK, reported attendance-related outcomes and were published in peer- reviewed journals.

Results Five evaluations of existing ERS and four RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Method of participant recruitment was the only marked difference between the two types of study. In RCTs and evaluations, rates of referral uptake and attendance were varied but comparable. Attendance was generally poor; approximately eighty per cent of participants who took up referral dropped out before the end of programmes. More women than men took up referral (60 vs. 40 per cent) but there was no evidence of higher attendance in women. None of the participant characteristics reported were consistently associated with attendance. Most of the reasons for attrition and negative comments from participants related to practical problems associated with attending leisure facilities.

Conclusion The present review highlighted a high level of attrition in ERS. However, poor measurement and reporting of attendance, and inadequate participant profiling, prevented us from identifying which sections of the population were most likely to attend or drop out. Adequate

data collection regimens, beginning at the point of referral would enable us to learn whom exactly ERS are proving successful for.
The role of gender in workplace stress: a critical literature review
Authors: Gyllensten Kristina , Palmer Stephen
Published: March 2007

Objective The aim of this review was to evaluate research relating to the role of gender in the level of workplace stress. A further aim was to review literature relating to stressors of particular relevance to working women. These stressors included, multiple roles, lack of career progress and discrimination and stereotyping.

Design Systematic review.

Method Major databases were searched in order to identify studies investigating gender and workplace stress. A range of research designs were included and no restrictions were made on the basis of the occupations of the participants.

Results Much of the research indicated that women reported higher levels of stress compared to men. However, several studies reported no difference between the genders. Furthermore, the evidence for the adverse effects of multiple roles, lack of career progress and discrimination and stereotyping was inconsistent.

Conclusion The current review concluded that the evidence regarding the role of gender in workplace stress and stressors was inconsistent. Limitations of the research were highlighted and implications for practice were discussed.
Decision-making skills: A possible goal for 'drug education?'
Authors: Dorn Nicholas , Thompson Anne
Published: March 2007

WHETHER or not teachers wish to teach about legal or illegal drugs depends, at least partially, on whether such teaching can be effective. Finding out the effects of such teaching is not easy, and it is tempting to fall back on a pre conception that a purticular teaching approach is self- evidently either effective or counter-productive. However, neither pupils' nor teachers' expectations of the effects upon them of lessons about drugs, nor pupils' immediate reactions to lessons, are a reliable guide to the actual effects of the lessons in the longer-term: to discover these effects, careful follow-up and research is necessary.
School sex education and the causes of unintended teenage pregnancies
Authors: Reid Donald
Published: March 2007

THE provision of sex education in British schools has improved both in quality and quantity in recent years. Evaluation sug gests that it has a favourable influence on knowledge and atti tudes, but little direct effect on sexual behaviour. Unintended teenage pregnancies are prob ably caused more by lack of anticipation than by simple ignorance. Promising strategies for a reduction in incidence in clude the use of specific teaching approaches, combined with the involvement of parents and school counsellors. Straightfor ward provision of factual infor mation is relatively unimportant, compared to the need to im prove motivation.
A sympathetic hearing?
Authors: Cayton Harry
Published: March 2007

More than three quarters of the public consider deafness to be a severe or very severe handicap according to a survey conducted for the Department of Health and Social Security. But just how great an understanding of deaf ness do people have and how practical is their sympathy? Ear lier in the year, the four principal national organisations for deaf people launched 'The Sympathe tic Hearing Scheme' with the aim of promoting greater public understanding of deafness and of providing practical help for deaf and hearing people to ease their communication problems.
Influencing health behaviour: how significant is the general practitioner?
Authors: Calnan Michael W , Johnson Barbara M
Published: March 2007

IN this paper we examine the role of the general practitioner in health education for primary pre vention. We examine the features of the general practitioner setting which make it so amenable to the practice of health education, and review the evidence from studies which have attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of health education given by general practitioners. Finally, we examine the compatibility of the doctor-patient relationship in present-day general practice with what is required for effective health education.
Alcohol use in Britain: How much is too much?
Authors: Saunders W.M.
Published: March 2007

Alcohol is a part of everyday life in Britain, its use so diverse that it cannot be regarded as a neutral substance. Its benefits and the problems it presents are assessed, and a case is made for the development of a coherent public health policy to reduce per capita consumption.
Health education intervention in the separation and divorce process
Authors: Macdonald D. Gordon
Published: March 2007

THIS paper argues the case for a full national conciliation service which would include the provi sion of anticipatory guidance on the health conse quences of the divorce process. After a small empiri cal study on a group of women from York, evidence emerged that no such provision existed. Despite the fact that all the women belonged to, or were associated with, the One-Parent Family Group in York, they all felt that some form of support agency and a health adviser would have been invaluable.
Superman versus Nick O'Teen — a children's anti-smoking campaign
Authors: Jacob Micheal
Published: March 2007

IN December 1980, a novel anti-smoking campaign aimed at children aged from seven to eleven was launched by the Health Education Council. The campaign pitted the cartoon super-hero Superman against a newly-invented super-villian, Nick O'Teen. By the time the campaign ended in 1982, over 800,000 children had requested material produced by the HEC. The venture produced a positive response from schools, and evaluation demonstrated a significant impact on children themselves. In addition, the campaign proved to be of continuing interest to the mass media, with references to it being made two years after advertising ceased. It also provoked considerable international interest.
Quitting for life - the role of health authorities in smoking cessation
Authors: Catford John , Woolaway Martin , Batten Liz , Nutbeam Don
Published: March 2007

ALTHOUGH three million smokers in Britain have given up over the last decade, this country has the highest rates of smoking-related diseases in the world. Many smokers want to give up, and the emphasis should be on 'how', rather than 'why'. Health authorities should adopt smoking policies, develop smoking cessation schemes, provide practi cal support for GPs and health visitors and support self-help groups. The role and status of health education units should be strengthened. A target reduction in smoking of 1.0-1.5 per cent a year is proposed.
Tobacco smoking in Nepal - a preventable health problem?
Authors: Hattersley Andrew
Published: March 2007

IN NEPAL, the majority of the adult population smokes, but although there is at present a considerable incidence of smoking-related disease, it is small in comparison with the problems of infectious diseases and overpopulation. Smoking is increasing in Nepal and will soon present a major health problem if action is not taken. European forms of health education are not appropriate to the illiterate rural population. Government control of cigarette production and tar levels is proposed.
General practitioner training and older people — health education perspectives on day release programmes
Authors: Phillipson Chris , Strang Patricia
Published: March 2007

THE topic of health education and older people is being given greater emphasis in primary care set tings. A survey was mounted to investigate the contribution of vocational training in preparing GPs for this area of work. The balance of education was found to be towards the sick and frail elderly; developing 'healthy lifestyles' for old age was given very limited attention. The article concludes with some suggestions for change in the context of training programmes.
Obesity — Public health enemy No 2?
Authors: Garrow John
Published: March 2007

MOST health educators would agree that cigarette smoking is the most important avoidable cause of ill-health and death in this country, so it is the prime target for health education campaigns. But what should rank second? Drug abuse? Alcoholism? Unwanted pregnancy? STD? Food poisoning? Accidents at work or on the road or in the home? Dental caries? Coronary heart disease?

All of these are avoidable causes of suffering which health educators should fight against, but my choice for Public Health Enemy No 2 is Obesity.
From analysis to synthesis
Authors: French Jeff , Adams Lee , French Jeff
Published: March 2007

At present there is considerable confusion about the nature of health education, and there is little research to draw on. The authors review the theoretical basis of health education and set out to simplify and clarify the debate by proposing a simple three-model system linked to a hierarchy of objectives.
Heart health campaigns
Authors: Davis Alan Maryon
Published: March 2007

Coronary heart disease is the greatest single cause of death in the Western world, although there is considerable variation between different populations. Large-scale, long-term studies have identified a number of complex and inter related risk factors, encouraging the development of preventive health strategies for heart disease. This article looks at the scale of the problem, and the risk factors involved, and reviews four well-known heart health programmes.
Aids and intravenous drug users
Authors: Skidmore Carol
Published: March 2007

HIV infection among the gay population has been well described in parts of the USA and the UK, namely San Francisco and London1,2. The somewhat smaller pockets of infection such as intravenous drug abusers have not been so well documented, although many of those involved in epidemiological research into HIV now recognise that infected drug abusers may represent the real risk of spread to the popu lation at large who have no apparent risk factors for contracting Aids.
HIV antibody testing and counselling
Authors: Glover Lesley
Published: March 2007

The Government's Aids campaign has resulted in more people coming forward for HIV antibody testing. The results of a positive test can be devastating, so it is vital that individuals requesting a test be given adequate pre-test counselling, argues Lesley Glover
Regional health promotion planning and monitoring
Authors: Tannahill Andrew
Published: March 2007

HEALTH promotion has become the focus of much interest in the field of health service planning. Related to this, expectations have developed in terms of the performance of health education/pro motion services. There has been an ominous tend ency for these expectations to fail to recognise important developments in health promotion theory and practice, and for unrealistic outputs to be sought from historically inadequate levels of input. In this paper a case is made for placing input demands and targets first, and for assessing performance in relation to quantitatively and qualitatively appropri ate pre-stated objectives.
A telephone survey to evaluate an Aids leaflet campaign
Authors: Hill Alison , Mayon-White Richard T.
Published: March 2007

LEAFLETS on Aids were sent to homes in Oxford in April 1986. The leaflets made only a slight impact, confined to people in social classes I and II. Many of the people who read the leaflets had seen or heard other public information. Forty six per cent of the people exposed to the leaflets and the DHSS adver tisements were unaware of either. There were prob lems in the delivery of the leaflets which reduced the effects of the initiative. Leaflets require supporting publicity to be effective. The telephone survey was quick to plan and relatively cheap. Telephone sur veys are useful in the evaluation of health education campaigns.
Information prescription
Authors: Kempson Elaine
Published: March 2007

Research shows that lack of information is a major cause of dissatisfaction with health services. Elaine Kempson argues for specialist centres with trained staff, based in regional health authorities and financed through the NHS.
Substance abuse among schoolchildren in Pontefract
Authors: Ellis Maura , Linke Stuart , Evans Alison , Kaczmarczuk Madge , Haddock Gill
Published: March 2007

THE level of alcohol, tobacco, solvent and drug use by 1882 school children aged between 14 and 15 years within Pontefract Health District was examined by means of a questionnaire. Alcohol and tobacco use was relatively high, and comparable to similar studies elsewhere. The use of substances other than alcohol and tobacco was reported by a much lower percentage. Behavioural factors associated with sub stance use were examined, and implications for health education suggested.
Aids - knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour: a study with university students
Authors: Reader Edward G. , Carter Rosamund P. , Crawford Andrew
Published: March 2007

A SURVEY was carried out to determine students' knowledge, attitudes, and personal behaviour with respect to HIV infection; the aim was to obtain infor mation which would lead to an improved educational programme. A questionnaire was sent to every tenth full-time student on Exeter University's alphabetical list. It was found that the students were well- informed about Aids and HIV infection, but that this was not reflected in their behaviour. Ninety per cent accuracy or better was achieved in answer to most of the knowledge questions, whereas 47 per cent had made some positive change in their behaviour or awareness. The main thrust of the education effort will now have to be towards encouraging individuals to apply their knowledge to themselves, and to change their behaviour accordingly.
Patient attitudes to health education in general practice
Authors: Hughes Martin
Published: March 2007

HEALTHIER life-styles are more likely to be achieved if we know what patients' expectations are with regard to health education. The author, therefore, distributed health questionnaires to a random sample of his practice population and discovered that patients want to know more from their doctors about healthy life-styles, particularly what consti tutes a good diet and the value of regular exercise. The importance of parents, teachers, books and the mass media in nurturing healthy ways of life was also made apparent.
The 'Health of Coventry' - use of a health profile to stimulate community health promotion
Authors: Binysh Kathie , Chishty Valerie , Pollock George , Middleton John
Published: March 2007

THE recent report Public Health in England rec ommends that an annual health report should once again be a statutory requirement of Directors of Pub lic Health Medicine, at district and regional level1. The production of such reports cannot in itself improve the public health; the report must be used to stimulate local action. We describe here the pro duction of a health profile for the city of Coventry and its use in a broad-based health promotion approach for achieving 'Health for Coventry by the Year 2000'2.