bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin cancer prevention in early childhood: An evaluation of a health education intervention among students in a preschool vocational programme
Authors: Jansson Bjarne , Boldeman Cecilia , Dal Henrik , Ullen Henrik
Published: March 2007

Objective To evaluate the effects on knowledge and attitudes towards the protection of children from ultraviolet (UV) exposure among students in a preschool vocational programme. The analyses included gender and socioeconomic differences, and changes in the response pattern during the intervention period.

Setting Upper secondary schools in the Child and Recreation Study Programme, Stockholm County, Sweden.

Method Swedish school authorities run a vocational study programme for students aged 16-19 who have opted for work in preschool services. A lesson on UV protection (2 x 45-minutes) given by an external specialist in cancer prevention was integrated in the curriculum. A questionnaire was administered immediately after the lesson to assess attitudes to tanning and cognitive impact regarding UV protection of children. Field conditions allowed pretesting only for 24/1389 students. Resampling techniques were therefore applied by simulation of missing pretest values,

and compared with classic pretesting by parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results Independent of the individual students' own attitudes towards UV exposure, the protection of children from sunburn was reported as important. Increased learning could be observed among female students. Females also reported a significantly greater interest than males in protecting children. No significant differences between socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and others were observed. During the evaluation period 1996-1999 the response pattern varied significantly due to rainy or sunny summer periods prior to the intervention. Finally, there was no significant difference between the mean values of the 1000 simulations for each statement, compared to the mean value of the 24 pretest values.
In a class of its own: Introducing a new tool for understanding adolescents' perceptions of the world of drugs
Authors: McWhirter Jenny M , Young Amanda J , Wetton Noreen
Published: March 2007

Objective To describe the use of (draw, describe and write', a tool for exploring how adolescents perceive and explain their understanding of the world of drugs, as used in the development of the Blueprint project.

Design A cross-sectional study using a specifically designed research tool, including drawing and open-ended questions, used with young people aged 11-13 years to record their understanding of drug use. Setting Eight secondary schools in four areas of England.

Method Open-ended questionnaire: 'Draw, describe and write' is an illuminative method based on constructivist/interpretivist approaches. Respondents were invited to'describe or draw' a young person who uses drugs. Further open-ended questions explored the drugs used, the context of drug use and the risks and benefits to the young person and the respondent.

Results A response rate of 85 per cent was achieved. A random sample were analysed. The results provide a valuable insight into how 11-13 year olds perceive and understand drug use by young people. The method is acceptable to young people and their teachers and is strongly inclusive. This tool will be useful in curriculum development and in evaluation of drug education intervention studies for pupils of secondary school age range.

Conclusion The method could be used in further studies where it is important to understand young people's perceptions of the complex context of the drug using world in which they are growing up.
Pumping up the pressure: A qualitative evaluation of a workplace health promotion initiative for male employees
Authors: Lomas Libby , McLuskey John
Published: March 2007

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace health promotion initiative.

Design Blood pressure screening was taken into the workplace setting for all staff members who wished to take part. Male participants were then invited to take part in a qualitative evaluation of the initiative. Setting The evaluation was undertaken in various work locations of an acute NHS Hospital Trust.

Method One-to-one semi-structured interviews took place with 14 men in order to examine the men's perceptions of their experience, to evaluate the impact of blood pressure screening in the workplace on men's health decision-making processes, and to identify ways in which health interventions can be improved and developed. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim and the analysis of the data was undertaken manually using thematic analysis.

Results The key themes emerging were issues relating to convenience of location, health decision-making processes, beneficial outcomes for participants and the organisation, perceptions of the health professional, expectations surrounding the Occupational Health Department and the men's knowledge and awareness of blood pressure testing.

Conclusion The men liked the convenience of the workplace location and the forum this created for discussion of other health issues with a health professional, who they respected. The men held a variety of expectations in terms of what the Occupational Health department could offer, and indeed, the need for clarification of this emerged as a key aspect for future service development.
Fitness instructors: How does their knowledge on weight loss measure up?
Authors: Forsyth Glenys , Handcock Phil , Rose Elaine , Jenkins Carolyn
Published: March 2007

Objective To examine the knowledge, approaches and attitudes of fitness instructors dealing with clients seeking weight loss advice.

Design A qualitative project whereby semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten fitness instructors representing a range of qual ifications, work settings and years of experience.

Setting Interviews were conducted at neutral sites identified by participants.

Methods Interviews explored participants' knowledge on weight related issues including the etiology and consequences of obesity, the exercise strategies used for weight loss, and also professional development issues. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using an inductive process where ideas of a similar nature were categorised into 'raw themes'. Two researchers independently analysed transcripts to establish trustworthiness.

Results Findings revealed that inconsistencies appeared to exist with participants' development and delivery of a weight management programme. In some cases fitness instructors were not adequately prepared for dealing with overweight and obese clients.

Conclusion The findings provide further argument for the need for a system of accreditation of fitness instructors within New Zealand (NZ) that provides the public with some measure of quality assurance.
Nutrition Health Promotion in Schools in the UK: Learning from Food Standards Agency Funded Schools Research
Authors: Woolfe Jennifer , Stockley Lynn
Published: March 2007

Objective To test the feasibility and effectiveness of dietary change interventions in UK school-based settings. This overview draws out the main lessons that were learnt from these studies, for both practitioners and researchers.

Design A review and analysis of the final reports from five studies commissioned by the Food Standards Agency.

Setting Primary and secondary schools throughout the UK.

Results For practitioners the studies highlighted: the importance of considering the future sustainability of interventions from the outset; the difficulty in successfully involving parents; the importance of actively engaging schools, and the support of committed individuals. They also bore out the contribution that a child-centred approach can have on increasing the acceptability of an intervention to children.

For researchers, one of the most important issues that emerged was the need for an accepted research framework for public health interventions. In addition, there were several experimental design issues that flawed some of the studies. Assessing dietary intake in children proved challenging, and both guidance and the development of valid dietary assessment tools would be invaluable to future work in the area. This also applied to the measurement of nutrition knowledge and physical activity in children.

Conclusion The five studies focused on different approaches and topics. However, all have the potential to be incorporated into the type of health promoting whole school approach which systematic reviews have indicated is the most effective way of changing behaviour. In England this is the approach adopted by schools achieving the healthy eating strand of the National Healthy Schools Standard (NHSS).
The tendency to fatness
Authors: Ashwell Margaret
Published: March 2007

THE relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in the development of obesity are disputed. There is a certain school of thought that attributes all fatness to gluttony: 'Since the immediate causes of obesity are overeating and underexercising the remedies are available to all, but many patients require much help in using them' (Davidson & Passmore, 1969)
Cancer and cancer education— opinions of some secondary school teachers in Northern England
Authors: Charlton Anne
Published: March 2007

TO PROVIDE information about teachers' attitudes to cancer and cancer education, a questionnaire survey of 131 men and 60 women teachers was conducted in 1974 in five comprehensive schools in northern England.

These teachers were quite well-informed about cancer, especially about it being sometimes curable and the value of early treatment, although the majority still found it their most alarming disease. Most of these teachers were willing to teach about cancer, whatever their subject, given more in formation.

Based on their expressed wishes for cancer education methods, combined with the results of a concurrent survey of pupils' requirements, a teaching resources package was designed for testing.
A health education approach to solvent abuse
Authors: Rowell Val , Wood P.J.W.
Published: March 2007

AN increasing number of cases of solvent abuse in West Yorkshire has led to the adop tion of a common system of recording, and of guidelines for medical examination. It is argued that solvent abuse is a problem with recognised socio- medical hazards, and that it requires the attention of a range of agencies. Health educators are deemed to have a primary role in increasing understanding of solvent abuse among groups working with juveniles.
Evaluating a decision-oriented approach to smoking education
Authors: Taylor D.H. , Vale D.
Published: March 2007

HEALTH education sessions about smoking, in a comprehensive school, were designed to promote decision-making ability rather than to deliver specific health warnings. Short-term results obtained by questionnaire showed that children become more realistic about the experiences of and reasons for early smoking, but their belief in some health norms declined. The results are discussed in terms of the psychological processes which may be involved in early smoking and the response to this type of educational approach.
Report of an Ethnic Health Project 1979/1980
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: March 2007

MANY Asian and Afro-Caribbean immigrants are thought to present special problems in medi cine. The medical world frequent ly defines these as being different from the indigenous population. It was in an attempt to evaluate the perceived health education needs of London's Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities, and to assess if local radio could be instrumental in that role, that the project reported here was devel oped and undertaken. It produced some useful lessons.
'Don't take a chance' A public campaign to encourage the early reporting of breast symptoms
Authors: Christmas Pat , Nichols Sally
Published: March 2007

AS part of a study to evaluate health education about breast cancer, a campaign to encourage the early reporting of breast symptoms was organised jointly by Community Medicine, Univer sity of Southampton and South ampton Health Education Ser vice.

A thorough account of all aspects of the preparation and implementation of the campaign is presented. It is hoped that other organisations, considering a similar campaign, could utilise the materials specially produced to convey our message and be nefit from our experiences.
The impact of newspaper advertising on a regional antenatal health campaign
Authors: Berry Judith M.
Published: March 2007

IN 1981 the West Midlands Health services undertook a publicity campaign aimed at helping women to under stand more about keeping healthy during pregnancy and encouraging them to seek early ante-natal care. A series of full page advertisements on ante-natal care were placed in local newspapers in the Region. Set out here are the findings of two studies of the impact of the publicity campaign. The first shows how far people's knowledge of what to do during pregnancy was altered by the publicity, and the second shows what people thought of the adver tisements themselves and the further information sent to them on request.

The results of the first survey showed that two weeks after the advertising campaign, more women who took the newspaper in which the advertisement appeared answered correctly questions about the health topics covered in the advertisement compared with women who did not take the newspaper.

The second survey showed that the advertisements were well received by those who sent in for more informa tion about the topics covered in the advertisements. The pamphlets sent to them on request, and selected by health education officers as suitable, contained in many cases material people welcomed and had not received from any other source.

However, many people said that they would have liked to have received information on topics not covered in the pamphlets, such as the events of childbirth, feeding and problems of child development.

It was recommended that the Book of the child, produced by the Scottish Health Education Group, should be distributed during the antenatal period, and be evaluated as an alternative to current material in use.
Physical fitness testing in the West of Scotland — health counselling and individual fitness
Authors: Inglis Valerie , McMillan Edward , McIntyre Elizabeth , Farrally Martin
Published: March 2007

IN a health education programme dealing with car diovascular disease and the risk factors amenable to per sonal control, adult volunteers from community centres and the workplace provided information about their lifestyles, including smoking habits and level of physical activity, and completed a battery of tests to assess current physical fitness. This information was used primarily to counsel individuals on appropriate exercise involvement and behavioural changes conducive to reducing the risk factors for heart disease, although results did give a first insight into the physical fitness of a self-selecting section of the community. A large proportion had a low level of physical fitness, particularly cardiovascular respiratory endurance, although more than half of the sample des cribed their lifestyle as 'very active'. The number of smokers was slightly lower than the national average, but the number of young people, particularly women, who smoked was high.
Attitudes and knowledge of family planning services among Hackney school children
Authors: Griffiths S. , Wright Medicine G. , Slavin H. , Elliott K.
Published: March 2007

A SURVEY of 108 boys and girls aged 16 was designed to ascertain knowledge of and attitudes to birth control services in Hackney. The survey found a high level of knowledge about methods and sources of contraception, but some confusion about how clinics functioned and a desire for more friendliness and accessibility. Implications for a health district are discussed.
An evaluation of two antenatal information booklets
Authors: Owen Tina , Hibbard Bryan M. , Robinson J.O.
Published: March 2007

THE readability of two antenatal education books which are widely distributed to expectant mothers was assessed. There were some significant differences, and it was anticipated that this would be reflected in the levels of information imparted to the mothers, particularly when they were analysed by social class. In practice the differences were small, and the only one of significance was that the book which was believed to be more readable and more attractive in format resulted in higher knowledge scores in social classes I and II, but not in social classes III to V. Possible explanations for this are discussed.

Clear benefit in terms of knowledge was demonstrated when mothers received a book in advance of their attendance at the antenatal booking clinic. They arrived better prepared and better informed, with knowledge to help the healthy development of the foetus at an early stage in pregnancy. The additional postage costs in sending out booklets is considered justifiable.
Sex education for pupils from Asian ethnic minority groups
Authors: Bunting Anne
Published: March 2007

MANY children in British schools come from Islamic, Hindu or Sikh backgrounds, which calls for a differ ent approach to education about sex and contracep tion. The Eastern tradition of arranged marriages, forbidden pre-marital sex and the desire for children (particularly sons) soon after marriage, have the greatest influence over women's choice of contra ceptive. Sex is not openly discussed in Asian fam ilies, so instruction in basic anatomy and human reproduction is essential. Teachers should be aware of these cultural influences and should try and promote discussion.
The image of the smoking and non-smoking young person
Authors: Kannas Lasse
Published: March 2007

MORE than 1,600 Finnish secondary school pupils between the ages of 12 and 16 completed a question naire about their image of the smoking and non- smoking adolescent. A smoker was described as nervous, unfriendly, untidy, stupid and a low achiever in sport and academic work, but despite this, was seen as a leader. Non-smokers were seen as calm, strong, fairly modest, friendly, tidy and smart, but not as leaders. Older pupils saw the smoker in a more positive light. Those who smoked saw the non- smoker image as positive, and rated the smoking image more highly than did non smokers.
Smoking prevention in Bristol
Authors: Naidoo Jennie , Platts Cecilia
Published: March 2007

An account is given of smoking prevention initiatives undertaken by two members of the health education service in Avon over the last four years. The diversity, practicality and effectiveness of such initiatives is emphasised, in the hope that similar strategies maybe adopted by other health education units.
A comparative evaluation of 'The Pregnancy Book' and two other publications
Authors: Hibbard Bryan M. , Owen Tina , Robinson James O. , Thomas Greta
Published: March 2007

A STUDY of the Health Education Council publica tion The Pregnancy Book1 was undertaken. A group of nulliparous pregnant women were sent this book with the information about their first hospital anten atal appointment. Two other groups were sent either the BMA publication You and Your Baby 2 , or the Scottish Health Education Group Book of the Child3. The women's reactions to the book were assessed according to a wide range of criteria, including how much of it they had read, what they liked or disliked about it, and their knowledge of the material covered by the book. The responses to all the criteria were positive, and the overall reaction of the women was favourable. The majority had read at least some of the book before their first attendance at the clinic. No obvious social class differences were apparent. There were no significant differences in reaction to The Pregnancy Book over the other two books sent, but this seemed to be a result of the women thinking well of whichever particular book they had received. Though it should be noted that a number disliked the labour illustrations and two were not keen on the sections about when pregnancy goes wrong, there was nothing to suggest that the women would dislike receiving this book.
Men, women and mental health
Authors: Briscoe Monica E.
Published: March 2007

Evidence consistently shows that women report more psychological symptoms than men, but men are more likely to have problems with alcohol, or to suffer from personality disorders associated with anti-social behaviour. Why should this be so?
Health education and the prevention of alcohol-related problems
Authors: Robinson Yvonne Keeley , Baggott Rob
Published: March 2007

IT has been suggested that many activities directed at the prevention of illness blame the victims and ignore the socio-political factors which contribute to ill-health. This paper considers this argument in relation to health education and alcohol, and looks at some strategies available to health educators which focus on the political economy of alcohol-related problems. It considers some of the major constraints on such activities and suggests that health educa tion directed at individual behaviours should not be entirely disregarded.
Smoking and drinking among 16-year-olds
Authors: Taylor M.T. , Mardle G.D.
Published: March 2007

AS part of a longitudinal study of 16-year-olds, ques tions were asked concerning smoking and drinking behaviour. Comparisons with previous data indi cated a general decline in smoking, though less so for girls than boys, and the former are now more frequent smokers than boys. Drinking alcohol was at about the same frequency as 11 years ago, and social class was related to patterns of both drinking and smok ing, but in opposite directions.
Bridging the gap between information and health
Authors: Bryant Sue Lacey
Published: March 2007

IN Croydon, health information is not only accessible to health educators. A pioneering approach means that links ha ve been forged with community agencies, and with local public libraries, which serve as useful vehicles for health promotion. In the second part of our series, Sue Lacey Bryant describes how the system was established, how it works, and the positive reactions it has stimulated.
Preventing drug misuse: the case for breadth, balance and coherence
Authors: Tones Keith
Published: March 2007

THE aetiology of drug misuse is complex and multi- factorial. This paper argues the case for locating education about drugs firmly in the context of a broad programme of general health and social edu cation. It is based on the assumption that complex problems require sophisticated solutions. An outline design for a programme of personal and social edu cation is described and its main curricular elements are examined. The relationship between these com ponent parts and current drug education projects is then discussed. The broad personal and social edu cation strategy is contrasted with drugs-specific mass media-based publicity campaigns.
What do medical teachers understand by health promotion?
Authors: Weare Katherine
Published: March 2007

THE co-ordinators of the courses that make up the undergraduate medical curriculum at the University of Southampton were asked what they understood by 'health promotion', what aspects of it, if any, were included in their courses, and whether they would like to develop health promotion within courses. Most defined health promotion as the primary pre vention of disease, usually heart disease and cancer, through patient instruction, usually about smoking, diet and exercise. Many had reservations about this model, finding it unproven, negative, simple, repeti tive, boring, authoritarian and not a task for doctors, especially hospital doctors. Health promotion was not much taught overall, although most co-ordina tors were willing to try to develop it. It mostly appeared in low status courses. Some teachers iden tified it with a 'social perspective' on medicine already taught to students. It was concluded that a project attempting to develop health promotion in the medical curriculum would have to recognise the strength of these attitudes, and evolve an approach which developed from, and challenged, specific aspects of them.
Approaches to clients in two breast self-examination programmes
Authors: Flaherty C. , Philip J. , Harris W.G. , Joslin C.A.F.
Published: March 2007

TWO programmes of education on breast self-exam ination ran from 1978 to 1985. Experience from the two centres, Huddersfield and Nottingham, suggests that an appointments system, supported by mass media advertising, is more effective than inviting women to attend educational meetings. The experi ence of the trials is considered relevant to com munity education programmes on other topics.
Promoting nutrition education in Worcester
Authors: Richardson Joan , Grigg John
Published: March 2007

IN October, 1984, Worcester and District Health Auth ority launched a year-long campaign aimed at pro moting healthy eating in the local population. The campaign was designed around a multi-media approach, as well as incorporating more traditional health education strategies. Evaluation was carried out through public opinion surveys, and by monitor ing sales of selected food items from four local super markets. Over the campaign period, there was a significant change in public knowledge, which was reflected in considerable alterations to the buying patterns of certain food items.
Dental health education and the pre-school child
Authors: Marchment M.D. , Clayton-Smith Alison J. , Gray Margaret M.
Published: March 2007

A DENTAL health education programme for pre- school children has been established in South East Staffordshire in response to data collected by the Department of Community Dental Health, which indicated that in certain areas within the district there were very high levels of dental caries among five-year-old schoolchildren. In an attempt to improve future dental health, dental manpower and resources have been directed towards pre-school children and their parents.
Managing information in the NHS
Authors: Scarlett Sue
Published: March 2007

THE national health service has a unique bank of data going back to 1948. In the fourth article in this series, Sue Scarlett explains how this rich source of data is being used, and argues that if services are to be effectively managed, this information needs to be standardised and co-ordjnated.
Aids publicity: pointers to development
Authors: Hastings G.B. , Scott A.C.
Published: March 2007

QUALITATIVE research in Scotland found that, while the mass media had succeeded in giving people basic facts about Aids, there still existed confusion, uncer tainty, and anxiety. Future publicity should address people's concerns about how to tackle Aids in their own lives, and should adopt a practical rather than a fear-inducing approach.
Health beliefs in adolescence: perceptions and control
Authors: Head Michael J.
Published: March 2007

A RESEARCH programme was undertaken over a two-year period to develop a valid and reliable set of health locus of control scales for use with young ado lescents. The scales were based upon a wider percep tion of health than existing scales. The research programme was carried out in four phases with the main survey being undertaken with 310 pupils in six Wiltshire schools. In addition to validating the scales, a great deal of information was gathered regarding young people's health beliefs.
How do child accidents happen?
Authors: Alwash Rafi , McCarthy Mark
Published: March 2007

THIS study describes how 402 child home accidents happened. It is based on home interviews of parents of children under five who attended a hospital acci dent and emergency department in a multi-racial area of west London. From the parents' account, the majority of these common domestic accidents — falls, poisoning, cuts, burns and scalds — happened when parental supervision was reduced, rather than because of household hazards. The implications for prevention are to give better emotional and financial support to parents rather than adopting traditional health education interventions to alter the environment.
Perceptions of weight problems and dietary patterns among general practice patients
Authors: Wallace Paul , Cutler Stephen , Haines Andrew
Published: March 2007

AS part of the Medical Research Council study on life- style and health, patients from 47 group practices in England and Wales were invited to attend for an interview and a brief physical examination. This report deals with the questions about diet and weight, and the receipt of advice from the general practitioner. Of the 4203 patients who were invited, 2571 attended. Proportionately nearly twice as many women as men expressed concern about their weight. In the 12 months before the interview, 19 per cent of the men had been dieting, compared with 40 per cent of the women. Rather more women (22 per cent) than men (16 per cent) had been advised to lose weight by their GP. Dieting was more frequent among those who had received a GP's advice on weight loss, and there was some evidence that such advice led to greater success. There was no substan tial difference between men and women in their answers on healthy diet. Three-quarters considered their diet to be healthy, and 15 per cent had received advice from their GP. Of these, more than three-quar ters had apparently made an effort to change. Although general practice patients are largely aware of the importance of avoiding overweight, there may be a lack of knowledge, particularly among older patients, of what constitutes a healthy diet. There would appear to be considerable scope for improving patient education in this area.
A comparative evaluation of anxiety management materials in general practice
Authors: Milne Derek , Covitz Freda
Published: March 2007

A SMALL sample of patients presenting to their GP with clinical anxiety were randomly allocated to one of three groups, receiving either a manual (N=7), a health education leaflet (N=5) or allocation to a wait ing list control group (N=6). Multiple measures were administered before and after a one month interval, with a six month follow-up assessment. The results indicated that the leaflet led to a significant increase in the patients' knowledge about anxiety. Trends on the measures of clinical anxiety, client satisfaction and medication suggest that the manual and the leaflet were both more helpful than no information. Suggestions are made for future evaluations of this kind.
Actors and smoking
Authors: Piepe Antony , Catermole Bev , Charlton Peter , Morey Fiona , Morey Judy , Yerrell Paul
Published: March 2007

THIS study of actors and smoking examines the career exigencies and professional constraints which encourage high levels of smoking in a professional group. Ideologies of smoking are also analysed in relation to potential change in habits and conventions.
Teachers' views of the Family Smoking Education Project
Authors: Newman Ruth , Nutbeam Don
Published: March 2007

THE usefulness, acceptability and perceived effec tiveness of the Family Smoking Education Project were assessed from an analysis of 83 teachers' rec ords of the use of the project in mixed-sex com prehensive schools in Wales and England. The project was taught by a wide range of subject specialists, and through a variety of lesson formats. The great majority considered the project to be a useful teaching aid, and one which captured the interest of pupils. Many felt that the project would probably have an impact on pupil smoking, but few believed it would reduce parental smoking. The results indicate that the project materials are a good starting point for a more comprehensive smoking education programme. However, future modifica tions to the materials might seek to make them more attractive to less able pupils, by replacing some of the more difficult concepts such as cash crops with simpler topics, language and graphics, and more practical exercises.
An overview of school smoking policies in England and Wales
Authors: Myers K.A.
Published: March 2007

THE results of the first part of a two-phase study of smoking policies in middle and secondary schools in England and Wales are presented. Information sup plied by the headteachers from a total of 961 schools indicated that 48% had an official policy regarding teachers' smoking, 88% had an official policy regard ing pupils' smoking, and 95% undertook some form of smoking education. The nature of the policies varied greatly and there appeared to be a lack of consistent reasoning behind them. It is hoped that the second phase of the project, involving a detailed study of several selected schools, will provide information on which coherent smoking policies could be based.
The life-styles and health behaviour of gay men
Authors: Fitzpatrick Ray , Dawson Jill , McLean John , Hart Graham , Boulton Mary
Published: March 2007

IN the recent past, health education has understand ably focused on sexual behaviour, particularly unprotected anal sex, that is most risky in terms of HIV in relation to gay and homosexual behaviour. Other aspects of the health-related life-styles of gay men have been neglected. Three hundred and fifty six gay and homosexual men were interviewed about health behaviour. Levels of alcohol use, aspects of diet and drug use were found to be very similar to other young adult males. Forty per cent of men were currently smokers. Use of nitrites and high levels of alcohol consumption in relation to risky sex consti tute specific problems of health behaviour which may not be reached by conventional health edu cation interventions.
A comparison of the response of manual and non-manual workers to fitness testing
Authors: Tregoning Dave , Gent Nick , Stephenson David
Published: March 2007

NON-MANUAL workers from the local civic centre and manual shop floor workers from a manufacturer of heavy electrical equipment underwent fitness testing as part of health promotion in the workplace. A three month post-testing evaluation was carried out by means of a self-completion questionnaire. Manual workers reported improved diet, more exer cise and reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption to a significantly greater extent than changes reported by non-manual workers. Our findings suggest that the response to health promotion in the workplace and subequent benefits is greater for manual workers and this has important policy implica tions for health promotion in the workplace.
Public knowledge of dietary fat and coronary heart disease
Authors: Tate Janice , Cade Janet
Published: March 2007

THIS study aimed to determine the level of knowl edge in the general population concerning dietary fat and the risk of coronary heart disease. A systematic sample of 400 was selected from the electoral regis ters of Southampton. Subjects were sent a self-com pletion questionnaire. The response rate was 68% (255). Overall knowledge levels were high. There were some specific gaps in knowledge concerning the polyunsaturated fat content of fish; the fat con tent of butter, margarine and low-fat spreads; and the relationship of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat to plasma cholesterol and heart disease. The media seemed to be the most important source of this health information. Since overall knowledge levels were high we conclude that health education should concentrate on clarifying areas of misunder standing shown by this study.
HEA guidelines for a letter to invite women for a smear test: theory and practice
Authors: Eardley Anne , Elkind Andrea , Thompson Rebecca
Published: March 2007

INVITATION letters used in computer-managed cer vical screening schemes in the 190 health districts of England were assessed in relation to the Health Edu cation Authority's guidelines for a cervical screening invitation letter. A scoring system was developed. Three types of letter were identified - call, recall and combined (used for both call and recall). Many items of information were missing from the letters, and the mean score was disappointingly low. We discuss the reasons for this, and end with a set of recommen dations for health authorities keen to improve their health education material.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation - 'while-u-wait'
Authors: Weston C.F.M. , Nicholson L.B. , Davies D.P. , Ramsey M.W.
Published: March 2007

SCHEMES to teach resuscitation skills have fre quently failed to attract those most likely to witness a cardiac arrest - the relatives of patients with heart disease. We have invited patients and their relatives to receive tuition in basic life support while they have been waiting for routine outpatient clinic appointments.
Smoking behaviour before and after attendance at a health promotion clinic in general practice
Authors: Sacks Gerald , Anderson Fiona , Lawless Melanie , Thorogood Margaret
Published: March 2007

A NURSE-RUN health promotion clinic in general practice was established in 1983 in a 12,000-patient suburban Oxford practice. The smoking behaviour of patients before and after attending this clinic has been audited.

Two years and six months after the establishment of the clinic, 1470 patients had been invited and 1382 (94 per cent) had attended. Each had received an explicit anti-smoking intervention from the practice nurse. In 1987, 1172 of these remained in the practice area and were mailed questionnaires. Nine hundred and thirty-one (79.4 per cent) returned a completed questionnaire. Of the 183 patients who had reported cigarette smoking at the health check, 57 (31.1 per cent) claimed they had stopped smoking cigarettes, but 22 (12.2 per cent) of them had changed to smoking another form of tobacco. Of the 748 patients who said at the health check they did not smoke cigarettes, 19 (2.5 per cent) reported that they now smoked cigarettes. In the study population there was a net reduction of 38 (3.2 per cent) in cigarette smokers and of 14 (1.2 per cent) smokers of all forms of tobacco.

Many reports of smoking cessation interventions describe the proportion of cigarette smokers who stop smoking cigarettes, but take no account of other forms of tobacco use, or of non-smokers who start smoking. These studies may have led to an over-benefits of practice-based anti-smoking strategies.
Team tactics: a study of nurse collaboration in general practice
Authors: Cant Sarah , Killoran Amanda
Published: March 2007

THIS paper examines the extent and type of collab orative work amongst community and practice nurses based in general practice in relation to health promotion. The data were drawn from a quantitative and qualitative study carried out from Autumn 1991 to Spring 1992, which investigated the prevention of coronary heart disease in general practice and the role of community nurses. This study formed part of a national survey of health promotion in general prac tice in relation to coronary heart disease, com missioned by the HEA and undertaken in collaboration with Kent University Centre of Health Services Studies. The study shows that there is mutual support and communication between prac tice nurses, health visitors and district nurses. How ever there is a strict division of labour within general practice which does not necessarily maximise the expertise and skills of the nurses concerned, and further training needs are identified. The new ar rangements for health promotion in the GP contract place emphasis on practice-based team work, to which the role of community nurses is central, but important management and training issues will need to be addressed for such team work to be successful.
Implementation and development of alcohol policies in the workplace
Authors: Baggott Rob , Powell Melanie
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the findings of a comparative study of workplace alcohol policies at the local level in Leeds and Leicester in 1991 and 1992. The aim of the study was to identify the factors most likely to lead to the adoption of an alcohol policy by employers and to examine the process by which policies were designed, initiated and developed. In the first phase, the main factors associated with the adoption of formal written policies, such as employer characteristics and head office initiatives, were identified from the analysis of postal survey data. In the second phase, qualitative data from detailed interviews with employers drawn from the postal survey sample revealed two distinct alcohol policy types: those with a disciplinary focus and those with a health focus. The majority of policies were of the disciplinary type, but both types were applied highly inconsistently. In most cases, implementation strategies were poor and staff training was absent. The study also identified a number of transmission mechanisms through which alcohol policies were initiated.
Breast screening, health promotion and empowerment: the districts' dilemma
Authors: Pearson Virginia , Parkinson Madeleine
Published: March 2007

A postal survey of attenders and non-attenders of the East Devon breast screening programme was carried out in 1992 to identify any particular factors that might be influencing women's attitudes to mammography, and which could be used to increase uptake. The response rates achieved by the study confirmed it as a useful method of surveying local women. The survey found differences in characteristics between attenders and non attenders comparable with other published studies, but of particular interest were the comments of non-attenders, which could be addressed in a future health promotion strategy. The study highlights the dilemma for district health promotion services in empowering local women, yet seeking to maximise attendance at breast screening programmes.
Health promotion in the high street: a study of community pharmacy
Authors: Moore Sonia , Cairns Chris , Harding Geoff , Craft Michael
Published: March 2007

Health promotion activity in community pharmacies was studied along with pharmacists' perceptions of the barriers and constraints to increasing health promotion activity within community pharmacy. A stratified sample (of 30 pharmacists) was investigated using a structured interview in the spring of 1993. Health promotion activities were undertaken by all study pharmacies. The number of times advice was given and/or a query dealt with was estimated to be around 1400 per week for the sample. It was found that the activity was 2.5 times more likely to be reactive rather than proactive. In general pharmacists felt isolated and excluded from formal activity: five pharmacists felt that they had enough support from local health promotion units and only one pharmacist had any liaison with a unit. There was evidence to suggest that these community pharmacies were an under-utilised resource for health promotion.
Life Education Centres: an evaluation of a mobile health education resource in Wales for children
Authors: Tudor-Smith Chris , Frankland Jane , Playle Rebecca , Moore Laurence
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the short-term impact of the 'Decisions' programme of Life Education Centres (LECs) on pupil knowledge, beliefs and behaviour with regard to substance use. Data were collected from 339 10/11-year-olds pre- and post participation in the programme. The results suggest that the programme was highly rated by the pupils, and increased their knowledge about substance use and its promotion in the media. However, there was no improvement in the pupils' ability to choose a healthy course of action when under peer pressure to do otherwise, and no change in intentions to smoke when aged 16. Further research is advocated.
Lessons from a pilot study on prescribing exercise
Authors: Fielder Hilary , Shorney Sharon , Wright Dorothy
Published: March 2007

The idea of prescription of exercise by general practitioners in schemes involving local authority leisure services is receiving much attention as a means to promote physical activity. However, there is little published information on the evaluation of the processes involved. This paper describes the pilot of a randomised controlled trial which was suspended after three months for reasons discussed. As many similar schemes are beginning all over Britain the lessons learnt from this pilot may inform others planning evaluation.
Stages of change for dietary fat reduction: associations with food intake, decisional balance and motives for food choice
Authors: Steptoe Andrew , Wijetunge Sonalee , Doherty Sheelagh , Wardle Jane
Published: March 2007

The stages-of-change model developed by Prochaska and DiClemente was applied to readiness for dietary fat reduction in a postal survey of adults in South London (N = 366). The percentage of respondents falling into each stage was as follows: precontemplation 35.1, contemplation 12.7, prepara tion 4.1, action 5.5, and maintenance 42.5. More men than women were precontemplators, while more women were in the maintenance stage. Significant associations with dietary fat consumption were observed, but there was no relationship with fibre intake. Cognitive and motivational correlates of healthy eating were associated with stage of change. However, the stage model was of only moderate value in accounting for current dietary habits. Implications for health education are discussed.
Drugs prevention: watershed or threshold?
Authors: Burgess Robin
Published: March 2007

This article questions the structure and purpose of some trends in UK drug education, critically examining concepts of 'informed choice' and 'harm- reduction' when used as the overall principles that determine the shape of prevention programmes. The author seeks to recommend a broader understanding of drug-related harm, particularly in relation to deprivation, and to define the potential role of drug prevention within broader social policy in relation to drugs. The consequences of this role for the conduct of health promotion in relation to drugs are considered, examinging the implications for the moral and attitudinal framework that underscores practice and how this affects practitioners.
Environmental constraints on health: listening to children's views
Authors: Davis Adrian , Jones Linda
Published: March 2007

Children are major users of their local environments yet they are largely excluded from discussions about transport, planning and environmental health, and may be seen only as 'problems' or 'victims'. However, if children's own accounts are studied it is clear that they are active risk-assessors and problem-solvers who develop strategies to survive hostile environments. This study involved children from four schools in broadly working-class areas of Birmingham. A semi-structured question naire was completed by a total of 492 9-11-year-old and 13-14-year-old pupils, and focus-group discussions were held with one group from each class taking part in the questionnaire. This paper reports on the focus groups, during which participants identified considerable environmental constraints on their activities. Many were not allowed to play outdoors, use local parks or cycle to school — or they did not feel comfortable doing so. Girls especially were restricted in how late they were allowed out. In the children's views, traffic danger, 'stranger danger' and social and cultural factors interact to create barriers to keeping healthy and active. An understanding of children's perceptions of risk and an incorporation of their ideas for change are central to the success of any physical activity strategy.
How healthy is school PE? A review of the effectiveness of health-related physical education programmes in schools
Authors: Harris Jo , Cale Lorraine
Published: March 2007

The role of the school in health promotion has become more prominent and there has been an increase in health-related physical education programmes in schools. This paper presents a comprehensive review of such programmes and considers whether and to what extent school physical education contributes to young people's health. The review suggests that health-related physical education programmes can achieve positive outcomes in physiological, clinical, behavioural, cognitive and affective measures. However, firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn about the effects of health-related physical education programmes on children's long-term health. The review is encouraging in terms of assimilating health objectives within the primary and secondary school Physical Education curricula.