bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educating School Nurses to Care for HIV‐Infected Children in School
Authors: Gross Elaine J. , Passannante Marian
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Effects of an educational program on school nurses' knowledge and attitudes about human immuno‐deficiency virus (HIV) infection in children and changes in practice was investigated. Participants (N = 205) attended a one‐day workshop held at 11 sites in New Jersey. Content was clinically focused and derived from a needs assessment of a sample of school nurses throughout New Jersey. An adult education format was used, with interactive and affective teaching strategies modeled on the AIDS Training Program of the California Nurses' Association. Subjects were pretested and posttested for knowledge and attitudes about HIV in children. An identical posttest mailed three months later included a self‐report of change in practice since attending the workshop. Knowledge and attitude scores were significantly higher at program completion (p < .0001). Three months after the program, knowledge scores had fallen but not to pretest levels. No significant difference existed between attitude scores after the program and three months later. On self‐report of change in practice, respondents indicated they instituted or improved universal precautions, and were more comfortable in teaching children, staff, and their communities about HIV.
Applying Cooperative Learning in Health Education Practice
Authors: Cinelli Bethann , Symons Cynthia Wolford , Bechtel Lori , Rose‐Colley Mary
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Cooperative learning encompasses both a teaching philosophy and instructional methods that encourage students to work together to maximize learning. This article examines the rationale for incorporating cooperative learning in health education, reviews cooperative learning basics, and provides an example of cooperative learning technique in health education.
Safety Belt Education Using Visual Crash Images and Low‐Cost Incentives
Authors: Bross Michael H. , Spellicy Martin J.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Automobile safety bell use among teen‐agers remains low despite high crash morbidity and mortality. This article describes a model of a community‐based safety belt promotional program. Ten public high schools, with student club and administrative support, were selected from across Mississippi. Safety belt assemblies, which created vivid crash images, were conducted using police officers, ambulance personnel, people with paraplegia, football players, and others. Low‐cost incentives were awarded to buckled students over a 10‐week period. Implementation of the program resulted in a mean increase of 21% in male safety belt use and 17% in female safety belt use. Concepts used in the program are reproducible, at minimal cost, by using personnel found in most communities.
Inflight Decisions of Expert and Novice Health Teachers
Authors: Geary Michael J. , Groer Shirley
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The interactive or “inflight” decision‐making of nine expert health teachers and 10 student health teachers was examined over a two‐year period. The method for accessing thoughts of the teachers was the stimulated recall interview which first involved making a videotape of the lesson being taught. After the lesson, the researcher played the videotape and the teachers stopped the tape whenever they could recall what they were thinking at the time. Each interview was audiotaped and responses served as data for this study. Overall, expert health teachers made more interactive decisions in the classroom across a larger number of categories. Specifically, experts remembered making significantly more decisions in the five categories of pupil, content, procedures, time, and materials. Expert health teachers also were generally more cognizant of lesson objectives, more likely to modify the lesson, and better able to connect new material to students' prior learning. Recommendations for preservice and inservice professional development programs are offered.
Are Local Teachers or Nutrition Experts Perceived as More Effective Among Brazilian High School Students?
Authors: Doyle Eva I. , Feldman Robert H.L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A preliminary experimental study was conducted among 322 high school students in the Amazon region of Brazil to determine whether locally‐trained teachers (high similarity/low expertise) or outside nutrition experts (high expertise/low similarity) would more effectively influence food choice attitudes and behavior. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group or one of four treatment groups in which participants read a nutrition message and one of four accompanying author descriptions (high communicator similarity/high expertise, high similarity/low expertise, low similarity/high expertise, low similarity/low expertise). Subjects then responded to food choice attitude and behavior scale items. ANOVAs revealed only perceived similarity significantly influenced attitude and behavior. Thus, training local Brazilian nutrition educators perceived to be highly similar to Brazilian adolescents may be more cost‐effective than recruiting nutrition experts. This study's consistency with studies conducted among Kenyan and American adolescents suggests perceived communicator similarity is a critical factor in international adolescent nutrition education.
Longitudinal Evaluation of an Enhanced Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study (AMPS) Curriculum for Grades Six‐Eight
Authors: Shope Jean T. , Kloska Deborah D. , Dielman T.E. , Maharg Ruth
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: For students progressing from sixth to eighth grade, an enhanced Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study (AMPS) curriculum that emphasized social pressure resistance training, peer support, and norm‐setting was developed, implemented, and evaluated. Schools were randomly assigned within communities to curriculum or control groups. Students were pretested early in sixth grade before the intervention and posttested at the end of sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Results indicated the curriculum was effective in increasing students' knowledge of curriculum material, and among the subgroup of students who had used alcohol unsupervised by adults before the pretest, in reducing the rate of increase of alcohol misuse. The findings result from a replication of the analytic approach used with the initial AMPS cohort data.
Innovative Practices in Comprehensive Health Education Programs for Elementary Schools
Authors: English Jill
Published: October 2009

Christopher Wren, one of the greatest English architects, walked one day unrecognized among the men who were at work upon the building of St. Paul's cathedral in London that he designed. “What are you doing?” he asked one of the workmen, who replied, “I am cutting a piece of stone.” Wren asked the same question to another man, who replied, “I am earning five shillings two pence a day.” He asked the same question to yet another man, who answered, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build a beautiful cathedral.”1
A Model for Coordinating School Health Promotion Programs
Authors: Belzer Edwin G. , McIntyre Lynn
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper presents an empirically developed model for coordinating the planning and implementation of combined health promotion activities for elementary schools. Validity of the model was assessed using results of semi‐structured interviews with two individuals who served in the coordinator role. The amended model that was developed in light of the assessment is presented, with suggestions for others who seek to use a coordinated approach for increasing the impact of school health programs.
Sun Protection and Younger Children: Lessons from the Living With Sunshine Program
Authors: Hughes Andrew S.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Results are reported from a formative evaluation of Living With Sunshine, a teaching resource to help teachers encourage positive sun‐related conduct by children ages six‐eight. Results indicate children who used the materials were knowledgeable about the sun's effects and aware of various ways to protect themselves. On a set of four tasks designed to test knowledge, children who used the materials performed as well as or better than similar children who had not used the materials. Both teachers and students responded to the teaching resource with enthusiasm, and teachers were able to use it without special training. The evaluation also raised two general concerns about cancer education for young children. First, should teaching/learning activities avoid direct mention of cancer or should the activities be related directly to the threat of cancer? Second, should the locus of responsibility for sun protection habits rest primarily with children or with the adults and institutions responsible for the children?
A Nationwide Survey of School Health Services Delivery in Urban Schools
Authors: Hacker Karen , Fried Lise E. , Bablouzian Lenna , Roeber Jim
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: To understand school health service delivery models, and to plan for reorganization of a local school health service, a telephone survey of school‐based health programs from around the country was conducted in 1992. Responses were elicited from 33 school departments in some of the largest American cities. Respondents described their current programs, obstacles they face, and approaches they have chosen to address the needs of urban schoolchildren. City size did affect amount of services provided overall, but a clear relationship existed between number of providers employed, and the number/amount of screening services available. Cities employed a range of strategies to enhance services, including collaboration with local health authorities, creation of school clinics, and billing for services.
Early Access to Health Care Services Through a Rural School‐Based Health Center
Authors: Terwilliger Susan H.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: School‐based health centers (SBHCs) and school‐linked health centers (SLHCs) represent relatively new models for health care service delivery. This article examines the question: Are SBHCs accessible as defined by four criteria of accessibility: available, community‐based, affordable, and culturally acceptable? A literature review and an examination of a rural SBHC providing care to young children are presented in this paper. Both support the hypothesis that SBHCs are accessible to children and families in the school community. In particular, this SBHC's enrollment rate of 98% and its usage rate of 99% provide strong evidence that SBHCs are culturally acceptable. Ten strategies for a successful SBHC are presented to assist in planning and implementation of other SBHCs.
A National Survey of Public Support for Restrictions on Youth Access to Tobacco
Authors: Bailey William J. , Crowe James W.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A national telephone survey was conducted to measure public support for seven proposals to restrict youth access to tobacco products, including increases in the cigarette excise tax. A random digit dialing survey, using computer‐assisted telephone interviews and a two‐stage Mitofsky‐Waksberg design, was used to generate and replace telephone numbers and to select individuals from within households. More than 94% of respondents believed cigarette smoking by children and adolescents to be a “very serious” or “somewhat serious” problem. Most respondents expressed support for all the proposed measures to restrict youth access to tobacco products (fines for sellers, fines for youthful violators, licensing of all tobacco vendors, restrictions on cigarette vending machines, ban on sponsorship of youth‐oriented events, and ban on all tobacco advertising), and for increases in the cigarette excise tax.
Peer Participation in Project Northland: A Community‐Wide Alcohol Use Prevention Project:
Authors: Komro Kelli A. , Perry Cheryl L. , Veblen‐Mortenson Sara , Williams Carolyn L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper describes the rationale, conceptual framework, and program components of a peer participation program for prevention of alcohol use among young adolescents. The peer participation program was one component of Project Northland, a community‐wide program that seeks to prevent or delay onset of alcohol use among a cohort of young adolescents. The peer participation program, implemented in 20 northeastern Minnesota schools when students were in seventh grade, consisted of student groups who planned supervised, alcohol‐free activities for themselves and their classmates. Program goals included 1) providing peer leadership and social support for non‐use of alcohol, 2) creating opportunities for alternative behaviors to alcohol use, thereby 3) creating a norm of non‐use among young adolescents.
Evaluation of Sex Education Curricula: Measuring Up to the SIECUS Guidelines
Authors: Klein Nicole Aydt , Goodson Patricia , Serrins Debra S. , Edmundson Elizabeth , Evans Alexandra
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Most sexuality education curricula developed the past 20 years were not thoroughly evaluated. This study provides results from a content analysis of 10 sexuality education curricula for junior and senior high school students. Nine nationally available sexuality education curricula and one curriculum guide comprised the sample. The basis for analysis was the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, developed by the Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) and an instrument developed to measure bias in the curricula. Trained coders found that Sex Respect and Teen Aid addressed less than half the topics suggested by the SIECUS guidelines. Several of the curricula contained gender and sexual orientation bias. Certain key concepts such as “Sexual Behavior” and “Society and Culture” were not adequately addressed by most of the curricula. Findings indicate that of 10 curricula, only six are considered acceptable for educating junior and senior high school students.
Meeting Health Needs Through Kentucky's New Family Resource Centers and Youth Services Centers
Authors: Olasov Linda , Petrillo Jane
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Family Resource Centers/Youth Services Centers were mandated by law as part of the Kentucky Education Reform Act in response to changing needs of children and their families. These school‐based centers provide services to maintain basic necessities for children and their families, enhancing the children's health and their ability to learn. This article describes how centers are developed, funded, staffed, governed, and evaluated as well as what services they provide.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Adolescent Smoking and its Correlates
Authors: Eckhardt Laura , Woodruff Susan I. , Elder John P.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: When designing effective programs, it is important to identify factors associated with tobacco use at particular stages of adolescence, as well as factors associated with changes in tobacco use. This study examined cross‐sectional correlates of smoking during early adolescence and during late adolescence in a longitudinal sample to compare the pattern of prediction of smoking at both stages. Changes in predictor variables related to changes in smoking also were examined. Results showed intentions to smoke was the strongest predictor of smoking during both early adolescence and during late adolescence; however, it was a much stronger predictor for the late adolescent stage. In addition, intentions to smoke was the strongest predictor of changes in smoking. However, the pattern of prediction at the two grade levels showed some differences as did predictors of changes in smoking. Implications for designing smoking prevention and cessation programs are addressed.
A Program to Address the Special Needs of Drug‐Exposed Children
Authors: Kne Tanya , Shaw Mary Wright , Garfield Emily F. , Hicks Janell
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The Ravenswood‐Stanford Coalition for At‐Risk Children promotes school success by intervening with K‐3 students identified as drug‐exposed, either prenatally or environmentally, enabling them to remain in regular classrooms rather than diverted to special education. This goal was accomplished through professional partnerships, home involvement, individual intervention plans, special school‐based services, and mentorships. Results from the project indicate these children are not significantly different from their peers; home involvement promotes better school linkages and reinforces positive behavior change; appropriate short‐term, school‐based services can increase academic and behavioral performance; dedicated volunteers working individually with students accelerate change processes; and these special at‐risk students must be assigned to caring, supportive, and predictable classrooms. (J Sch Health. 1994;64(6):251–253)
Prenatal Drug Education in Public and Private Schools of Nebraska
Authors: Stacy Richard D. , Conover Elizabeth , Gould Kelly A. , Rabak‐Wagener Judy
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Substance abuse during pregnancy continues to be a serious health problem in the United States. Hazards associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by pregnant women have been documented. The extent to which prenatal drug education is included in school health education has not been addressed. This survey determined the nature and extent of prenatal drug education being conducted by Nebraska school teachers in health‐related fields. Educators in public and private schools who teach health‐related courses were surveyed. Respondents indicated prenatal drug education is being addressed in a variety of courses. Amount of time devoted to the topic was 2.68 hours overall. Problems associated with providing prenatal drug education included inadequate teacher knowledge and training, lack of appropriate materials, and time limitations in the curriculum. Implications for comprehensive school health education are identified. (J Sch Health. 1994;64(6):254–257)
Health Services for Special Needs Children in Pennsylvania Schools
Authors: Bradford Bradley J. , Heald Pamela , Petrie Shirley
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: School health programs traditionally have involved health services, health instruction, and a safe school environment. Likewise, school health services have been provided by nurses, physicians, and appropriate administrative personnel. In the 1990s, increased integration of primary care services through school‐based clinics expanded traditional activities of school health programs. Consequently, more chronically ill children, particularly technology dependent children, have entered the regular school setting, requiring that schools be prepared to manage these chronically ill students who come to school with new morbidities and technological dependencies. This statewide survey examined the number and kind of special needs children in the regular school setting in Pennsylvania, as well as the personnel, programs, policies, and resources available to support these children. (J Sch Health. 1994;64(6):258–260)
Discriminating Suicide Ideation Among High‐Risk Youth
Authors: Thompson Elaine Adams , Moody Kimberly A. , Eggert Leona L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study examined the hypothesis that among one group of high‐risk youth—potential high school dropouts — key psychosocial factors would distinguish adolescents endorsing high suicide ideation from those who do not. Survey data compared high‐risk youth with high suicide ideation (n = 43) with randomly selected samples of high‐risk (n = 43) and “typical” youth (n = 42) without high suicide ideation. Repeat sampling of comparison groups verified results. Compared to high‐risk and typical youth without suicide ideation, high‐risk youth with high suicide ideation reported more psychosocial distress, problems with drug involvement, and disrupted family relations. They also described more unmet school goals and perceived a greater likelihood of dropping out of school. Discriminant analysis revealed that depression and low self‐esteem were most effective in distinguishing between high‐risk youth with and without high suicide ideation: family strain, anger, stress, and drug involvement also were differentiating factors. Implications for school‐based screening and prevention programs are discussed within the context of the findings. (J Sch Health. 1994; 64(9): 361–367)
The Nebraska “Network of Drug‐Free Youth” Program
Authors: Nelson‐Simley Kathleen , Erickson Laurel
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper describes Nebraska's six‐year experience with a successful prevention program to form and maintain local drug‐free youth groups. More than 4,500 youth were involved at the time of a six‐year evaluation survey. Nearly 91% of group members who responded reported being alcohol‐free in the previous 30 days and almost all (97%) reported being tobacco‐free. Thirty‐eight percent of members met one or more of the federal criteria for “high‐risk” youth. Sixty‐eight percent of responding high‐risk youth who previously used alcohol credited group membership with helping them quit or reduce use. The program appears to assist in delaying onset of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use for youth in the program, and to assist in decreasing or eliminating use of alcohol and tobacco by adolescents who used before participating.
School‐Level Application of a Social Bonding Model to Adolescent Risk‐Taking Behavior
Authors: McBride Colleen M. , Curry Susan J. , Cheadle Allen , Anderman Carolyn , Wagner Edward H. , Diehr Paula , Psaty Bruce
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Adolescent bonding — attachment to, commitment to, and involvement in conventional social activities — decreases the likelihood of engaging in some risk‐taking behaviors. The extent to which bonding opportunities in the school environment affect individual's bonding and risk‐taking behaviors is less explored. This study tested a model that includes individual and environmental indicators of bonding to predict cigarette smoking, drinking, drug use, and sexual activity among ninth grade students. Survey data representing students in 20 schools in seven western states are reported. Twelfth grade students' bonding and other demographic variables aggregated by school served as environmental indicators of bonding opportunities to predict ninth grade students' bonding and risk‐taking behavior. Path analyses indicate the school environment has a direct influence on ninth grade students' bonding and, in turn, on the likelihood they will engage in risky behavior. Implications of these findings for future research directions and intervention design are discussed.
Implementation of Comprehensive School Health Education in Elementary Schools: Focus on Teacher Concerns
Authors: Hausman Alice J. , Ruzek Sheryl Burt
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper reports on the effectiveness of a teacher development project in promoting implementation of a comprehensive school health education curriculum among inner city elementary school teachers. The longitudinal evaluation design provides empirical data on the efficacy of a strategy to reduce teachers' concerns and promote use of the curriculum at the classroom level. Data were collected at various points throughout the project period from 156 school staff from five schools. Results from analyses of repeated measures of teachers' feelings of preparedness to teach specific health topics, and the observed relationship between both high and improved feelings of preparation and reported health teaching suggest that teacher development efforts including training and ongoing reinforcement to increase teachers' feelings of preparedness can have significant classroom effects.
School Sexuality Education and Adolescent Risk‐Taking Behavior
Authors: Jacobs Cecilia Dine , Wolf Eve M.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: School sexuality education programs have been studied as a means to prevent sexual behavior that puts adolescents at risk for incurring an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. This review examines and critiques research that measures effects of school sexuality education programs on the sexual risk‐taking behavior of adolescents. First, methodological problems common in the literature are discussed. Second, studies measuring effects of school sexuality education programs are examined. Finally, suggestions for future research are made.
Bridging the “Med‐Ed Gap” for Students with Special Health Care Needs: A Model School Liaison Program
Authors: Koenning Gaye M. , Benjamin Jeff E. , Todaro Ann Witt , Warren Robert W. , Burns Monica L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A successful school experience is critical to the development of all children, particularly in the areas of academic achievement, regular school attendance, and social competency. Vulnerabilities in achieving each of these three goals have been documented among students with special health care needs (SSHCN), and ascribed to the influence of their health‐related disabilities. Despite recognition of these vulnerabilities, barriers still exist to successful integration of SSHCN into educational settings. A key barrier to successful integration involves poor linkages between the health and education systems. This article describes a model linkage system — the School Liaison Program at Texas Children's Hospital, developed as a U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau Special Project of Regional and National Significance. The program provides educational liaison services between the largest pediatric hospital in the United States and school districts in the fourth largest city. A description of the linkage system emphasizes interdisciplinary staffing by both special educators and health providers. The model for educational liaison service delivery presented includes the elements of eligibility, assessment of the educational implications of illness, plan development and referral, involvement in educational placement, and monitoring. Resources for integrating SSHCN into educational settings are suggested.
Gender and Developmental Differences in Exercise Beliefs Among Youth and Prediction of Their Exercise Behavior
Authors: Garcia Anne W. , Broda Mary Ann Norton , Frenn Marilyn , Coviak Cynthia , Pender Nola J. , Ronis David L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT:This study examined gender and developmental differences in exercise‐related beliefs and exercise behaviors of 286 racially diverse youth and explored factors predictive of exercise. Compared to males, females reported less prior and current exercise, lower self‐esteem, poorer health status, and lower exercise self‐schema. Adolescents, in contrast to pre‐adolescents, reported less social support for exercise and fewer exercise role models. In a path model, gender, the benefits/barriers differential, and access to exercise facilities and programs directly predicted exercise. Effects of grade, perceived health status, exercise self‐efficacy, social support for exercise, and social norms for exercise on exercise behavior, were mediated through the benefits/barriers differential. Effect of race on exercise was mediated by access to exercise facilities and programs. Continued exploration of gender and developmental differences in variables influencing physical activity can yield valuable information for tailoring exercise promotion interventions to the unique needs of youth.
Drug Use, Sexual Activity, and Suicidal Behavior in U.S. High School Students
Authors: Burge Valerie , Felts Michael , Chenier Thomas , Parrillo Anthony V.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Data from the 1990 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to examine the interrelationship of drug use, sexual activity, and suicidal behavior in U.S. high school students. Findings indicated adolescents who engaged in substance use and/or sexual activity were more likely to experience suicide ideation and behavior than those who abstained from such activities. Data analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between cocaine use and severity of outcomes of suicide attempts. Marijuana use and alcohol use were related to suicide behavior, but these relationships were not as strong as those noted for cocaine use. The study also revealed a positive relationship between frequency of sexual activity and attempted suicide, but could not determine whether such sexual activity was coerced, forced, or voluntary in nature.
Health Services Delivery to Students with Special Health Care Needs in Texas Public Schools
Authors: Koenning Gaye M. , Todaro Ann Witt , Benjamin Jeff E. , Curry Martha R. , Spraul Gayle E. , Mayer Marjorie C.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A statewide survey of 2,875 Texas public school nurses was conducted to determine the characteristics, needs, and involvement of nurses in the health and education management of students with special health care needs (SSHCN). The 1,574 survey respondents (response rate = 55%) were primarily registered nurses (84%) with a mean of 8.6 years (SD = 7.1) of experience in the school setting. Respondents served 1.5 school campuses on average; the mean nurse‐to‐student ratio per campus was 1:728 (SD = 518). Respondents identified 106,650 SSHCN (6% of total enrollment). Asthma (47%), attention deficit disorder (26%), and seizure disorders (8%) were the most prevalent conditions encountered among SSHCN. Medication administration (54%), diapering (12%), and inhalation respiratory treatments (11%) were the most common of 48,569 health procedures delivered daily to SSHCN by nurses, clerical staff, assistants, and teachers. Parents were identified as the primary source of both child‐specific health (70%) and training (68%) information in the school setting. Although nurses, of all school personnel, are likely best able to speak to the impact of a child's health impairment and needed school services, only 32% of respondents reported routine participation in special education eligibility evaluations and only 18% reported routine attendance at special education meetings for SSHCN. Moreover, 84% and 92%, respectively, reported discomfort at participating in special education eligibility evaluations and attending special education meetings.
School Policy in COMMIT: A Promising Strategy to Reduce Smoking by Youth
Authors: Bowen Deborah J. , Kinne Susan , Orlandi Mario
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Organizational smoking policy has been identified as a potentially effective way to influence health behavior, particularly in worksites. Examining the elements of existing school smoking policies for both students and employees can provide insight into the potential effectiveness of these policies in changing young people's smoking behavior. This paper examines selected components of existing school smoking policies in a national sample of schools at all levels of education as part of the Community Intervention Trial for Smoking Cessation. Schools were questioned about their school smoking policies, related resources, and compliance. The data show much variation in the elements of school tobacco use policy to change smoking behavior. Existing policies in schools differ among grade levels, thus providing different messages about the appropriateness of smoking. Policies differ for students and adults, providing another opportunity for confusion about the messages that policy can deliver.

In general, resources available to support existing policies are lacking. Many schools offer classes on knowledge of negative health effects of smoking but do not teach the psychosocial skills necessary to resist tobacco use. In its present forms, school policy has great potential for an effective tool for health promotion, but considerable reform is needed to overcome current barriers.
Impact of a School‐Based AIDS Prevention Program on Risk and Protective Behavior for Newly Sexually Active Students
Authors: Levy Susan R. , Perhats Cydne , Weeks Kyle , Handler Arden S. , Zhu Chenggang , Flay Brian R.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This project assessed the impact of a school‐based AIDS prevention program on student participation in sexual risk and protective behaviors such as use of condoms and use of condoms with foam and intention to participate in such behaviors. The paper focuses on students who became sexually active for the first time between the seventh and eighth grade (“changers,” n = 312). The school‐based intervention was developed using social cognitive theory and the social influences model of behavior change. Using an experimental, longitudinal design, 15 high‐risk school districts were divided randomly into two treatment (10 districts) and one control (five districts) conditions. Students in both treatment conditions received a 10‐lesson classroom program in the seventh grade with a five‐lesson booster in the eighth grade, while control students received basic AIDS education (current practice in their districts) in compliance with state mandates. Results indicated classroom programs had an impact on certain protective behaviors and on frequency of sexual activity the past month. Post‐intervention measures also indicated the program affected students' intentions to perform specific protective behaviors.
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 1993
Authors: Kann Laura , Warren Charles W. , Harris William A. , Collins Janet L. , Douglas Kathy A. , Collins Mary Elizabeth , Williams Barbara I. , Ross James G. , Kolbe Lloyd J.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of mortality, morbidity, and social problems among youth and adults often are established during youth, extend into adulthood, and are interrelated. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six categories of priority health risk behaviors among youth and youth adults: behaviors that contribute to unintentional and intentional injuries, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors, and physical activity. The YRBSS includes a national, school‐based survey conducted by CDC and state and local school‐based surveys conducted by state and local education agencies. This report summarizes results from the national survey, 24 state surveys, and nine local surveys conducted among high school students during February through May 1993. In the United States, 72% of all deaths among school‐age youth and young adults are from four causes: motor vehicle crashes, other intentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. Results from the 1993 YRBSS suggest many high school students practice behaviors that may increase their likelihood of death from these four causes: 19.1% rarely or never use a safety belt, 35.3% had ridden during the 30 days preceding the survey with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, 22.1% had carried a weapon during the 30 days preceding the survey, 80.9% ever drank alcohol, 32.8% ever used marijuana, and 8.6% had attempted suicide during the 12 months preceding the survey. Substantial morbidity and social problems among adolescents also result from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection. YRBSS results indicate that in 1993, 53% of high school students had experienced sexual intercourse, 52.8% of sexually active students had used a condom during last sexual intercourse, and 1.4% ever injected an illegal drug. Among adults, 67% of all deaths are from three causes: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. In 1993, many high school students practiced behaviors that may increase the risk for these health problems: 30.5% of high school students had smoked cigarettes during the 30 days preceding the survey, only 15.4% had eaten five or more servings of fruits and vegetables during the day preceding the survey, and only 34.3% had attended physical education class daily. YRBSS data are being used nationwide by health and education officials to improve school health policies and programs designed to reduce risks associated with the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. At the national level, YRBSS data are being used to measure progress toward achieving 26 national health objectives and one of eight National Education Goals.
Student Opinions of Condom Distribution at a Denver, Colorado, High School
Authors: Fanburg Jonathan Thomas , Kaplan David W. , Naylor Kelly E.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Over the past two decades, the reported number of women and men who have had intercourse by age 18 has increased by approximately 20%. Concomitant increases occurred in the incidence of teen‐age pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Increasing condom availability within schools has been proposed as one means of preventing the serious potential consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse. Although published surveys report 68% to 75% of adults have supported distributing condoms in schools, little is known about what students think about making condoms available at school. In this survey, high school students in Denver initiated and helped conduct a school‐wide survey to assess student opinions about condom distribution in their school. Of 931 high school students responding to the survey, 85% replied that condoms should be distributed in their school, and 76% believed making condoms more accessible would not change the frequency of sexual activity among teens. (J Sch Health. 1995;65(5):181–185)
A Collaborative Protocol for Encopresis Management in School‐Aged Children
Authors: Chaney Carol A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Encopresis affects 1% to 3% of the general pediatric population, yet most parents are unaware of the condition. Parents frequently view encopretic symptoms as deliberate actions and react punitively. Children with encopresis live in constant fear of ridicule about a problem over which they have no control. The lengthy, complex management program for encopresis usually includes physiological and behavioral approaches. Noncompliance and withdrawing from the program too quickly are major obstacles to success. The collaborative protocol model, focused on medical clinicians, children and families, and school nurses in collaboration with the children's teachers provides comprehensive strategical management of encopresis. As health professionals with frequent opportunity for communication with children and their parents, schools nurses are essential members of the collaborative management team. Also, the unique position of school nurses offers the opportunity to identify children with encopresis and help them work toward a positive outcome.
Child and Adolescent Depression
Authors: Lamarine Roland J.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: For much of the 20th century, major depression was viewed as a malady to which children were not susceptible. In recent years, this view has given way to an understanding that child and adolescent depression not only exist, but constitute an insidious and major public health problem. Depressive symptoms in children can be subtle and varied. The diagnosis in adolescents often is complicated by behavioral manifestations associated with hormonal changes. Both the etiology and the treatment of child and adolescent depression remain controversial. However, recent developments in pharmacotherapy appear promising. Primary prevention may not always be efficacious, but evidence suggests secondary prevention can reduce significantly future psychosocial problems. (J Sch Health. 1995;65(9):390–393)
A School‐Linked Health Service for Adolescents in Jerusalem
Authors: Halevy Ari , Hardoff Daniel , Knishkowy Barry , Palti Hava
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper describes the Adolescent Health Service (AHS) and its multidisciplinary, school‐linked, community‐based adolescent health clinic located in a western neighborhood of Jerusalem. Files of the first 134 adolescents who completed or discontinued treatment in the clinic during the first two years of operation were reviewed for demographic data, referral source, number of visits, health concerns and clinical impressions. The clinic population included Jewish Jerusalem residents, ages 12–18, 75% of whom were female. Most referrals came from schools. The average number of visits per patient was five (range 1–20). The most frequent presenting concerns as well as the most frequent clinical impressions were in the psychosocial and nutritional domains. Concordance between presenting concern and clinical impression was 61% (k = 0.47). Health problems of Israeli high school students attending the clinic mainly were psychosocial and nutritional. The school‐linked health service applied a comprehensive approach to the biopsychosocial needs of adolescents, not addressed at other health services.
Who Dispenses Pharmaceuticals to Children at School?
Authors: Francis Elaine Esielionis , Hemmat Joanna Persis , Treloar Donna M. , Yarandi Hossein
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Use of both prescription and non‐prescription pharmaceuticals has increased among children. Many of these drugs are taken during school hours and dispensed by school personnel who are not health professionals. They know little or nothing about the drugs themselves or the medical conditions requiring their use. This survey examined the extent to which pharmaceuticals are dispensed in schools in one Florida county. Public elementary, middle, and high schools and six private schools were surveyed for one week. All medications dispensed by school personnel during that time were recorded. Of 28,134 children surveyed, 1,016 children received 5,411 doses of medication. Thirty‐one categories of drugs were dispensed including controlled substances. Methylphenidate was the most widely dispensed drug, comprising about half of all the medications given in school. Medication use was evaluated in terms of gender, race, and socioeconomic status of the children.
The Case of Hallucinogenic Plants and the Internet
Authors: Micke Marion M.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The advent of the Internet both created opportunities and provoked problems for students, teachers, and parents. This article uses the example of Internet access to explicit information about locally available hallucinogenic plants to focus on important new issues in education: determining validity of Internet information and cultivating critical Internet consumer skills in students. Basic “textbook” information on three common psychotropic plants is contrasted with pro‐drug information from selected World Wide Web sites. Guidelines are offered for evaluating Internet information, and suggestions are offered for developing effective decision‐making skills in students. (J Sch Health. 1996;66(8):277–280)
The Health Education Profession in the 21st Century: Setting the Stage
Authors: Schima Marilyn , Ames Evelyn E.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This article contains proceedings from the June 16–17, 1995, conference in Atlanta, Ga., on The Health Education Profession in the 21st Century: Setting the Stage. The conference was co‐sponsored by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., and the Coalition of National Health Education Organizations, USA. Appreciation is extended to Kelli McCormack Brown, PhD, CHES, William Cissell, PhD, CHES, Martha DuShaw, PhD, FASHA, CHES, Fern Goodhart, MS, CHES, Robert McDermott, PhD, FASHA, Kathleen Middleton, PhD, CHES, Marlene Tappe, PhD, CHES, and Valerie A. Welsh, MS, CHES, for their assistance in producing the proceedings.
Adolescent Gender Differences in Alcohol Problem Behaviors and the Social Contexts of Drinking
Authors: Treiman Katherine A. , Beck Kenneth H.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study of more than 1,300 high school students examined gender differences in the social context of drinking associated with four alcohol problem behaviors (high intensity drinking, binge drinking, driving while intoxicated, and riding with an alcohol impaired driver). A series of analyses treated five social contexts of drinking (Social Facilitation, School Defiance, Stress Control, Peer Acceptance, and Parental Approval) as dependent variables and revealed significant multivariate interaction effects between gender and all four alcohol problem behaviors. Male problem drinkers were more likely to drink in all social contexts than female problem drinkers or non‐problem drinkers of both genders. Females were no more likely to drink in the context of Stress Control than males, a finding inconsistent with some previous research. The social contexts of Social Facilitation, School Defiance, and Stress Control were the best discriminators of problem versus non‐problem drinkers of both genders (although the order of importance varied by gender and specific problem behavior). Implications for designing targeted interventions are discussed. (J Sch Health. 1996;66(8):299–304)
Brief Nurse Consultations for Preventing Alcohol Use Among Urban School Youth
Authors: Werch Chudley E. , Carlson Joan M. , Pappas Deborah M. , DiClemente Carlo C.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effects of brief nurse consultations in preventing alcohol use among inner‐city youth. Participants included 138 sixth‐eighth grade students attending an inner‐city public school in Jacksonville, Florida. Subjects were randomly assigned by computer to either the intervention (STARS program) or a control group. Baseline and three‐month post‐tests were conducted at the target school site. A significant difference was found on heavy alcohol use with intervention subjects showing a reduction and control subjects an increase in heavy drinking (t = −2.33, 120df p = .02). No differences were found between groups on other alcohol use measures. This study's findings indicate that a series of brief nurse consultations appear to reduce heavy alcohol consumption among urban school youth.
Health Instruction Responsibilities for Elementary Classroom Teachers in Pennsylvania
Authors: Patterson Sheila , Cinelli Bethann , Sankaran Gopal , Brey Rebecca , Nye Robert
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A joint committee comprised of representatives from the American School Health Association and the Association for the Advancement of Health Education delineated five areas of instructional responsibility and 31 competencies needed for elementary health educators. Practicing elementary educators in southeastern Pennsylvania were surveyed as to their usage and perceived importance of these health instruction responsibilities and competencies. Competency usage varied from a high of 98.6% to a low of 33.5%. The second area of instructional responsibility — Assessing the Health Instruction Needs and Interests of Elementary Students — had the highest mean usage per competency. Chi‐square tests indicated a statistically significant relationship for competency usage and highest academic degree earned for two competencies, while competency usage and total number of years experience as an elementary educator indicated a statistically significant relationship for three competencies. The authors conclude with suggested strategies to improve the health education preparation of elementary educators. (J Sch Health. 1996:66(1):13–17)