bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe and Drug‐Free School Coordinators' Perceived Needs to Improve Violence and Drug Prevention Programs
Authors: King Keith A. , Wagner Donald I. , Hedrick Bonnie
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A random sample of 380 Ohio safe and drug‐free school coordinators was mailed surveys regarding their perceived needs to improve safe and drug‐free school programs. Of 298 who responded (78%), most were White (88%), female (71%), older than age 40 (72%), possessed a master's degree (56%), and worked at either a rural (43%) or suburban (40%) school. Training topics perceived as most beneficial in improving safe and drug‐free school programs included training on effective techniques that enhance youth success, building school‐parent‐community partnerships, and providing conflict management/dispute resolution skills. Lack of time, poor parental attitudes, and lack of school personnel support were identified most often as barriers to program improvement. Findings can be used by state health education resource centers and training providers to more effectively meet the needs of safe and drug‐free school coordinators.
Asthma Outcomes at an Inner‐City School‐Based Health Center
Authors: Lurie Nicole , Bauer Ellen Jones , Brady Cynthia
Published: October 2009

Childhood asthma has reached near‐epidemic levels in the US cities. Innovative strategies to identify children with asthma and prevent asthma morbidity are needed. This study measured asthma outcomes after initiation of an inner‐city elementary school health center with a schoolwide focus on asthma detection and treatment. The site was an inner‐city elementary school in Minneapolis, Minn. The study design incorporated a pre and post comparison with a longitudinal cohort of children (n=67) and a cross‐sectional cohort of children before (n=156) and after (n=114) the intervention. Hospitalization rates for asthma decreased 75% to 80% over the study period. Outpatient visits for care in the absence of asthma symptoms doubled (p<.01), and the percentage of students seeing a specialist for asthma increased (p<.01). Use of peak flow meters, use of asthma care plans, and use of inhalers also improved (p<.01). While no change occurred in school absenteeism, parents reported that their children had less awakening with asthma and that asthma was less disruptive to family plans. This schoolwide intervention that included identification of children with asthma, education, family support, and clinical care using an elementary school health center was effective in improving asthma outcomes for children.
Support for Instruction About Homosexuality in South Carolina Public Schools
Authors: Lindley Lisa L. , Reininger Belinda M.
Published: October 2009

Research has demonstrated that recognition of sexual orientation begins in adolescence. However, students who identify as gay or lesbian report that the subject of homosexuality is virtually absent from classroom instruction. In South Carolina public schools, the subject of homosexuality may not be discussed except during instruction about sexually transmitted diseases. In 1997, survey data were obtained from 534 South Carolina registered voters to determine level of support for school‐based sexuality education, including support for instruction about homosexuality. Overall, support for sexuality education was strong, however, homosexuality was the least‐supported subject in the survey. In addition, registered voters were less sure as to what grade level instruction about homosexuality should begin. Characteristics of voters who supported and opposed instruction about homosexuality in the public schools were examined and compared. These data may be useful in building support for sexuality education programs that address this controversial topic.
Patterns of Health‐Risk Behavior Among Japanese High School Students
Authors: Takakura Minoru , Nagayama Tomoko , Sakihara Seizo , Willcox Craig
Published: October 2009

This study explored patterns of health‐risk behaviors among Japanese high school students and examined if a cluster and an accumulation of health‐risk behaviors existed. Self‐administered questionnaires were employed in 1999 using a sample of 1,466 students (male 50.5%, female 49.5%) in grades 10 through 12 at seven public senior high schools in Okinawa, Japan. Health‐risk behaviors studied included cigarette smoking, alcohol use, thinner use, nonuse of seat belts, suicide ideation, sexual intercourse, weight loss practices, and physical inactivity. Among male and female students, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and sexual intercourse clustered. Accumulation of these risk behaviors also occurred because the observed proportion was greater than the expected proportion assuming independent occurrence. Vocational high school students and upper graders were strongly associated with accumulation of health risk behaviors. These findings identify a high‐risk target group among Japanese adolescents and suggest that preventive intervention strategies should take into consideration the cluster and accumulation of health‐risk behaviors.
What Do Master Teachers Consider Important in Professional Preparation for School Health Education
Authors: Birch David A. , Duplaga Christa , Seabert Denise M. , Wilbur Katherine M.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the two studies presented in this article was for master health education teachers at the middle school and high school levels to identify content, skills, and experiences that are important for professional preparation in school health education. Teachers were identified by health education directors in state departments of education. The Delphi technique was used for data collection and analysis for both studies. Teachers completed three rounds of questionnaires gradually coming to consensus on content, skills, and learning experiences in nine areas related to professional preparation. Fifty high school teachers representing 29 states and 46 middle school teachers representing 32 states provided input. Professional preparation priorities were identified for both middle school and high school levels. Four responses — awareness/use of a variety of instructional techniques; skill in working with parents; knowledge of health content; and awareness of, and ability to work with community agencies/organizations — were ranked as priorities at both levels. Recommendations for future research and practice activities are presented. (J Sch Health. 2001;71(2):56‐60)
Health Educators' Role in Promoting Health Literacy and Advocacy for the 21st Century
Authors: Tappe Marlene K. , Galer‐Unti Regina A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This article discusses the relationship between health literacy and advocacy for health and health education, cites achievement of advocacy as a critical outcome of health education, and identifies health advocacy competencies for both students and health educators. The paper also delineates a role for health education in developing health‐literate citizens and in training health educators to advocate for health and health education. The article draws on recent initiatives in comprehensive school health education and coordinated school health programs to identify content and strategies for developing health advocacy skills among elementary, middle, and senior high school students. The article provides a variety of approaches and strategies for developing advocacy skills among preservice and inservice health educators.
Toward a Public Mental Health Promotion and Intervention System for Youth
Authors: Weist Mark D.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Substantial limitations exist at all levels of mental health care for youth in most communities in the United States. Particular gaps exist in the areas of prevention, mental health promotion, and early intervention programs. The national movement toward enhancing mental health programs for youth in schools offers an important opportunity to fill gaps in the prevenlion‐services continuum toward the development of a Public Mental Health Promotion and Intervention System for Youth. A strategy — the Child and Adolescent Program Planning Schema (CAPPS) — is presented to analyze gaps in a community's system of mental health programs for youth, and to facilitate planning toward development of a full continuum of programs from broad, population‐based prevention, and mental health promotion strategies to treatment of youth with more established problems. (J Sch Health. 2001;71(3):101‐104)
Receipt of School Health Education and School Health Services Among Adolescent Immigrants in Massachusetts
Authors: Blake Susan M. , Ledsky Rebecca , Goodenow Carol , O'Donnell Lydia
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study assessed whether immigrant adolescents receive health education and services in schools at levels comparable to native‐born peers. Surveys from 2,635 8th and 10th graders allowed comparisons between students living in the United States “always” (n = 2,080), “more than six years” (n = 299), and “sixyears or less” (n = 191). Immigrant students were equally likely to receive health education, more likely to use peer counseling or support groups (p < .001), and less likely to use health services (p < .05). They communicated more often with staff (p < .05), were more concerned about mental health issues (p < .01), and were likely to have these topics addressed in school (p < .05). They were more positive about health education (p < .05), learned something new (p < .01), and communicated with parents when offered (p < .001). Schools provide a critical gateway and opportunity for reaching immigrant students and families with programs designed to meet their unique health and mental health needs. Questions remain, however, about health education and services being provided to non‐mainstreamed, Limited English Proficient students who recently immigrated. Implications for program and service delivery and future research are discussed. (J Sch Health. 2001;71(3):105‐113)
The Health and Education Leadership Project: A School Initiative for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Thies Kathleen M. , McAllister Jeanne W.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT:An estimated 40% of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hemophilia, experience school‐related problems. Many children living with a chronic illness do not need or may not qualify for traditional special education programs, yet they may have unmet learning needs associated with chronic absenteeism, disease symptoms, or side effects of medical treatments. Using principles of family‐centered schools, a coalition of schools, families, pediatricians, and nurses can work cooperatively to help students with chronic conditions succeed. This article describes the second phase of an ongoing initiative designed to support public schools in their efforts to meet the health and education needs of students with chronic health conditions.
School‐Based Telehealth: An Empirical Analysis of Teacher, Nurse, and Administrator Perceptions
Authors: Whitten Pamela , Kingsley Charles , Cook David , Swirczynski Debra , Doolittle Gary
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: In 1997, the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) and the United School District 500 (USD 500) in Kansas City, Kansas, launched an innovative telehealth project that brought health care directly into elementary schools by interactive video technology and peripheral devices. This paper focuses on the altitudes and opinions of key players — teachers, nurses, and administrators — involved in providing the service. Research methodology involved analyzing archival data and conducting interviews with key players on the project from USD 500 and KUMC. The study highlights the difficulty in delivering health care, especially telehealth care, to underserved, urban children. The data also reveal that initial challenges and negative attitudes can be overcome to effectively deliver telehealth care in the school setting.
Prevalence and Correlates of Sunscreen Use Among US High School Students
Authors: Hall H. Irene , Jones Sherry Everett , Saraiya Mona
Published: October 2009

Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. To determine the prevalence and correlates of sunscreen use among US high school students, researchers assessed data on sunscreen use, demographic characteristics, and health behaviors obtained from the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). This survey used a three‐stage cluster sample design to produce a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9–12 (N=15,349). Overall, 13.3% (95% confidence interval, +1.3) of students used sunscreen always or most of the time (ie, frequent use). Frequent sunscreen use was lower among males (8.6%, +1.2) than females (18.1%, +1.9) and among Blacks (4.8%, +1.7) and Hispanics (10.8%, +2.8) than Whites (16.5%, +1.9). Frequent sunscreen use decreased with age. Infrequent use of sunscreen was associated with other risky health behaviors, such as driving after drinking or riding in a car with a drinking driver, smoking cigarettes, being sexually active, and being physically inactive. Results indicate a need for health education interventions addressing sunscreen use that target high school students.
Effectiveness of a Health Course at Influencing Preservice Teachers' Attitudes Toward Teaching Health
Authors: Myers‐Clack Susan A. , Christopher Suzanne E.
Published: October 2009

Research has shown that effective school health education depends on the effectiveness of health training for prospective teachers. This research tested the effectiveness of a university course in preparing preservice teachers in the area of school health. Education majors enrolled in the course “Drug and Health Issues for Educators” at Montana State University were administered a pretest/posttest questionnaire at the beginning and end of spring semester 2000 to gather data for testing five hypotheses. Analyses were conducted on 119‐paired samples. The course appeared effective at influencing how a preservice teacher values health education in the school, their intentions to include and confidence in including health in their teaching, and their ability to provide a student with information on personal health issues.
Assessing an Intensive School‐Based Assistance Program to Enroll Uninsured Children
Authors: Taras Howard L. , de Nuncio Maria Luisa Zúñiga , Pizzola Elaine
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Children eligible but not enrolled in subsidized health insurance programs, such as Medicaid and S‐CHIP, received considerable outreach activity in recent years. Schools in low‐income and middle‐income communities often are cited as excellent places to find and reach parents. This study assessed the cost and effectiveness of contacting parents through schools, educating them about health insurance programs and preventive care, and assisting them with insurance applications. The accumulative cost per enrolled child was $75, and schools were able to locate and assist large numbers of uninsured children who had failed other outreach methods. School‐based application assistance and parent education succeeded in improving child access to care and utilization of services.
Variability in Drug Use Prevalence Across School Districts in the Same Locale in Ohio
Authors: Falck Russel S. , Wang Jichuan , Carlson Robert G. , Siegal Harvey A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Substance use by adolescents continues to present a problem schools must address. Data from survey research can prove useful in helping schools determine the nature and extent of youth drug use. This study identified variations in drug use prevalence among ninth grade students in different school districts in the same locale in Ohio. Possible explanations for the differences were explored. Students (n = 3,016) from 12 suburban high schools anonymously completed self‐report drug use questionnaires. School and community‐level data were collected from other sources. Cluster analysis was used to group the school districts. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in levels of drug use by cluster. The cluster with significantly lower levels of drug use consisted of districts with at least one fulltime drug abuse prevention coordinator, higher economic levels, and the highest per pupil expenditures. Drug use among youth is influenced, at least in part, by local contextual factors. Local survey data can inform local policy and programs. These findings have practical implications for policymakers, program developers, and school districts in other areas of the country.
Using Technology to Teach Health: A Collaborative Pilot Project in Alabama
Authors: Geiger Brian F. , Petri Cynthia J. , Myers Ouida , Lan JoAnn , Binkley Dianne , Aldige Carolyn R. , Berdebes Joanne
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified six adolescent risk behaviors that contribute to chronic diseases and disorders, including poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This project pilot‐tested a “train‐the‐trainer” model to diffuse an interactive health education software program into Alabama middle schools during a school year. Developmentally appropriate content included nutrition, physical activity, and prevention of substance use. Twenty‐four site facilitators selected from 18 public school systems trained 364 colleagues and 2,249 students to use the software. During a school year, facilitators created 150 student assignments; they reported increased interest among students in health instruction. An essential feature of the project involved an active partnership among the funder, state department of education, university, and public schools. Planners provided technical assistance through face‐to‐face interaction, distance learning, telephone and e‐mail communications, and a Web site. Planners and facilitators worked together to overcome barriers to the use of technology for health instruction.
Television Viewing and its Associations with Overweight, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Insufficient Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables Among US High School Students: Differences by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
Authors: Lowry Richard , Wechsler Howell , Galuska Deborah A. , Fulton Janet E. , Kann Laura
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Television (TV) viewing has been associated with overweight, decreased physical activity, and unhealthy dietary behavior among children and adolescents, and may represent a modifiable cause of childhood obesity. This study examined race, ethnic, and gender‐specific differences in these associations among high school students in the United States. The study analyzed data from the 1999 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a representative sample (N = 15,349) of US high school students. Logistic regression tested for significant associations. TV viewing on an average school day exceeded 2 hours/day among 43% of students; it was greater among Black (74%) and Hispanic (52%) than White (34%) students. Overall, 11% of students were overweight, 31% of students were sedentary (ie, did not participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity at recommended levels), and 76% ate less than five servings/day of fruits and vegetables. Watching TV more than 2 hours/day was associated with being overweight, being sedentary, and eating insufficient fruits and vegetables among White females, and with being overweight among Hispanic females. No significant associations were found among Black females. TV viewing was associated with being overweight and eating insufficient fruits and vegetables among White males. No significant associations were found among Hispanic males. Among Black males, TV viewing was associated with greater participation in physical activity. These findings suggest the presence of cultural factors to consider when developing interventions to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and healthy weight through reduced TV viewing among adolescents.
The Influence of Preservice Instruction in Health Education Methods on the Health Content Taught by Elementary Teachers in Indiana
Authors: Seabert Denise M. , Pigg R. Morgan , Weiler Robert M. , Behar‐Horenstein Linda S. , Miller M. David , Varnes Jill W.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study examined whether receiving preservice instruction in health education methods affects the health instruction provided by elementary classroom teachers. Using a researcher‐constructed self‐report questionnaire, 800 third‐, fourth‐, and fifth‐grade teachers in Indiana were randomly selected to complete the questionnaire. Returns included 366 usable responses from an effective sample of 772, for an overall response rate of 48.06%. Analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant difference among respondents in the mean number of 10 health content areas taught, the depth of coverage of all content areas except Community and Environmental Health, the mean number of health lessons taught per week, and the minutes spent teaching health per week. Pairwise comparisons indicated respondents who completed both a health education methods course and a physical education methods course taught a greater number of health content areas, and taught more topics in eight of the 10 health content areas, than did respondents who did not complete preservice instruction in health education methods.
Do Perceived Cues, Benefits, and Barriers to Physical Activity Differ Between Male and Female Adolescents?
Authors: Tergerson Jennifer L. , King Keith A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: A four‐page survey was administered to 535 adolescents at two single‐sex (one male, one female) high schools in Cincinnati, Ohio, to examine whether perceptions of physical activity differed by gender. More specifically, the survey assessed perceived cues, benefits, and barriers to exercising. Results indicated that the most helpful cue to physical activity for both female and male students was “having a friend to exercise with.” The most commonly reported benefit of exercising among females was “to stay in shape,” whereas the most commonly reported benefit to exercising among males was “to become strong.” Among females, the most common barrier to exercising was “having no time to exercise,” whereas males were most likely to report “wanting to do other things with my time.” Multivariate analyses of covariance revealed that perceived cues, benefits, and barriers to physical activity differed significantly based on gender. Recommendations on specific strategies to increasing male and female adolescent physical activity levels are offered.
Parent Knowledge and Opinions of School Health Services in an Urban Public School System
Authors: Clark Dorothy , Clasen Carla , Stolfi Adrienne , Jaballas Elvira R.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Health services, provided through schools for more than 100 years, increasingly have expanded to meet preventive as well as acute health care needs of children. This article reports on a survey of parents of third‐grade children in an urban public school system. The authors examined what parents know about school health services, what value they place on the services, and what barriers exist to health care access. Results indicated parents place a high value on health services offered in schools, but they know little about service availability and use. Parents often were unaware their children received many of the services listed, such as review of school health records, vision and hearing screening, and health education by school nurses. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(1):18–22)
A School‐Based Asthma Intervention Program in the Buffalo, New York, Schools
Authors: Lwebuga‐Mukasa Jamson , Dunn‐Georgiou Elisha
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This project investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a school asthma program in reducing asthma exacerbations among school children. In 1997–1998, two schools were selected for a case control pilot study. The intervention required that students with asthma, who needed medication daily at school, must present a written plan from the health care provider. Students with asthma were identified through parent/guardian or school reports. The pilot program was expanded into five schools in 1998–1999. All schools kept records of rescue treatments for asthma episodes. The pilot intervention resulted in an 80% decrease in rescue treatments from 1996–1997 to 1997–1998. In the additional five schools, an overall decrease of 17% occurred in rescue treatments during 1998–2000. Overall, 65% of physicians provided requested Asthma Care Plans (ACP). In two schools, the number of asthma care plans that required anti‐inflammatory medications tripled. Preliminary results indicate this school asthma program proved feasible and effective in reducing the frequency of asthma exacerbations at school. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(1):27–32)
Environmental Allergens and Irritants in Schools: A Focus on Asthma
Authors: Tortolero Susan R. , Bartholomew L. Kay , Tyrrell Shellie , Abramson Stuart L. , Sockrider Marianna M. , Markham Christine M. , Whitehead Lawrence W. , Parcel Guy S.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: As part of the Partners in School Asthma Management Program, environmental data were collected from 385 rooms in 60 elementary schools in southeast Texas, using an Environmental Observation Checklist and a Q‐TRAK Indoor Air Quality Monitor. Dust samples for allergen analysis were collected from floors, carpets, and area rugs in 80 classrooms in a subset of 20 schools. CO2 levels >1,000 ppm were found in 86% of rooms; 69% had indoor humidity above recommended levels. Der p I dust mite allergen levels >2,000 ng/g were present in 20% of rooms, but only 2.5% of rooms had Der f I mite allergen levels exceeding recommended tolerances. Detectable levels of cockroach allergen (Bla g II) were found in all schools (median 5.5 ng/g), with 10% of rooms over the recommended threshold. Almost two‐thirds of classrooms had mold spore counts >10,000 col/g (median, 14,400 col/g; range, 2,000 – 52,000 col/g).
Evaluation of the Utah Student Injury Reporting System
Authors: Spicer Rebecca S. , Cazier Calvert , Keller Patricia , Miller Ted R.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The Utah Student Injury Reporting System (SIRS), implemented in 1984 to monitor injuries to students in grades K‐12 in Utah schools, has served as a model for surveillance systems created by other states and some European countries. This paper evaluates the Utah experience in developing and administering the SIRS. The evaluation identifies usefulness of the system, discusses the sensitivity of the system in detecting school injuries, estimates the system's costs, and provides suggestions to other states and districts interested in building a cost‐effective and efficient surveillance instrument. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(2):47‐50)
Development of the Social Ecology Model of Adolescent Interpersonal Violence Prevention (SEMAIVP)
Authors: Riner Mary E. , Saywell Robert M.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT:The Social Ecology Model of Adolescent Interpersonal Violence Prevention (SEMAIVP) was used to examine adolescent beliefs and behaviors about interpersonal violence. Cross‐sectional data were collected from middle school students using the Youth Conflict Mediation Survey. Regression models were developed for the total sample, by gender and by race. Factors explaining 48% of the variance in violence avoidance responses include more frequent positive recognition for violence avoidance possessing a higher sense of nonviolence self‐efficacy, and more frequent involvement in violence engagement behaviors. Factors explaining 53% of the variance in violence engagement responses include more exposure to neighborhood fighting, fewer prosocial anger control beliefs, fewer prosocial anger control strategies, more skill development opportunities, and more frequent involvement in violence avoidance behaviors. Findings suggest that prevention approaches need to use a comprehensive social ecology approach that includes intrapersonal, personal, school, and neighborhood environmental components and that provides recognition to adolescents for using violence avoidance skills. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(2):65–70)
Using Path Analysis to Examine Adolescent Suicide Attempts, Life Satisfaction, and Health Risk Behavior
Authors: Thatcher W. Gregory , Reininger Belinda M. , Drane J. Wanzer
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study determined if differences existed between four race/gender groups in regard to attempted suicide among a randomly selected, cross‐sectional population of 4,565 public high school students in South Carolina. A modified Youth Risk Behavior Survey was designed to gather information on quality of life, life satisfaction, and six risk‐behavior categories. Data first were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and subsequently analyzed using path analysis. Results suggest several independent variables (feelings of intimidation, alcohol and cocaine use, self‐perceptions of mental health, self‐perceptions of body weight, dieting practices, bulimic episodes, and physical and sexual abuse) were associated significantly (p < .01) with adolescent attempted suicide either directly or indirectly through mediating variables. Significant associations among risk behaviors, mediating variables, and self‐reported attempted suicide varied across the four race/gender groups, indicating a need to further study differences noticed in each race/gender scheme. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(2):71–77)
Knowledge and Perceptions About Back Education Among Elementary School Students, Teachers, and Parents in Belgium
Authors: Cardon Greet , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , De Clercq Dirk
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT:A back education program for Belgian elementary school children was evaluated using self‐reported questionnaires before intervention and at three follow‐up points during one year. Most children found the program interesting, important, and amusing. Intervention children (n = 347) showed better back care knowledge than control children (n = 359), and knowledge gained was retained over a period of one year. Back education did not result in increased fear‐avoidance beliefs about physical activity, and intervention children reported more checking of their book bag weight than controls at all test moments. Self‐reported behavior in relation to posture‐related and back care related self‐efficacy were affected only minimally by the program, possibly due to poor selfjudgment. Involvement, fear‐avoidance beliefs, and back care knowledge of teachers and parents of the intervention children showed low correlation with the children's perceptions and knowledge. Sufficient promise exists to justify further development and evaluation of early back education. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(3):100–106)
Development of the Student Attitudes Toward School Safety Measures (SATSSM) Instrument
Authors: Young Elizabeth M. , Autry Dale , Lee Seon‐Young , Messemer Jonathan E. , Roach Pamela S. , Smit Julian C.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The Student Attitudes Toward School Safety Measures (SATSSM) instrument was developed as a new tool to assess high school students' attitudes toward school safety promotion methods. A theory‐based pool of statements was scaled using Thurstone's equal appearing interval method by 186 student judges to yield a 30‐item instrument. The draft version was operationalized into a 5‐point, Likert scale format, using a new sample of 182 students. Exploratory factor analysis suggested three factors: mediation, surveillance, and searching methods. The SATSSM was reduced to six items for each scale with a five‐item social desirability scale added, and piloted with 66 new students. Final administration of the SATSSM to 166 new students yielded scale and overall internal consistencies exceeding .80 with low interscale correlations. A simultaneously administered questionnaire measuring perceptions of school safety suggested students possessed increased awareness of school violence, but they believed improving school safety is beyond their school's control.
Influence of School, Class, Ethnicity, and Gender on Agreement of Fourth Graders to Participate in a Nutrition Study
Authors: Frye Francesca H.A. , Baxter Suzanne Domel , Thompson William O. , Guinn Caroline H.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This article describes the methods used to recruit fourth‐grade children for a school‐based study concerning the accuracy of their school breakfast and lunch recalls, and it reports the impact of school, class, ethnicity, and gender on agreement to participate. A total of 522 children (27% White Males [WM], 30% White Females [WF], 21% Black Males [BM], 22% Black Females [BF]) was available to recruit from 22 classes at six public schools in one district in a southeastern state during the 1999–2000 school year. Across classes, 45% to 95% of children agreed to participate (n = 376, 25% WM, 30% WF, 22% BM, 23% BF) with 72% overall. Logistic regression indicated class as a marginally significant predictor of participation (p < 0.04), but failed to indicate school, ethnicity, or gender as significant predictors. Other specific factors that may influence children's participation need to be investigated and results shared to help improve recruitment efforts for future school‐based studies. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(3):115–120)
Peer‐Led, School‐Based Nutrition Education for Young Adolescents: Feasibility and Process Evaluation of the TEENS Study
Authors: Story Mary , Lytle Leslie A. , Birnbaum Amanda S. , Perry Cheryl L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Peer education has become a popular strategy for health promotion interventions with adolescents, but it has not been used widely in school‐based nutrition education. This paper describes and reports on the feasibility of the peer leader component of a school‐based nutrition intervention for young adolescents designed to increase fruit and vegetable intakes and lower fat foods. About 1,000 seventh‐grade students in eight schools received the nutrition intervention. Of these, 272 were trained as peer leaders to assist the teacher in implementing the activities. Results from a multicomponent process evaluation based on peer leader and classroom student feedback, direct classroom observation, and teacher ratings and interviews are presented. Results show that peer‐led nutrition education approaches in schools are feasible and have high acceptability among peer leaders, classroom students, and teachers. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(3):121–127)
Promoting School Connectedness: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Authors: McNeely Clea A. , Nonnemaker James M. , Blum Robert W.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Increasing evidence shows that when adolescents feel cared for by people at their school and feel like a part of their school, they are less likely to use substances, engage in violence, or initiate sexual activity at an early age. However, specific strategies to increase students' connectedness to school have not been studied. This study examined the association between school connectedness and the school environment to identify ways to increase students' connectedness to school. Data from the in‐school and school administrator surveys of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (75,515 students in 127 schools) and hierarchical linear models were used to estimate the association between school characteristics and the average level of school connectedness in each school. Positive classroom management climates, participation in extracurricular activities, tolerant disciplinary policies, and small school size were associated positively with higher school connectedness.
Determinants of Coping Responses Among Mexican American Adolescents
Authors: Guinn Bobby , Vincent Vern
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT:This study examined relationships among perceived stress, self‐esteem, acculturation, and gender with the coping response of 472 Mexican American adolescents aged 14 to 16 years. Subjects were drawn from a predominantly Mexican American population located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. Data were collected through a self‐report instrument consisting of perceived stress, acculturative status, self‐esteem, and coping strategy scales. Subjects reported relatively high perceived stress levels, low acculturation, and moderate self‐esteem scores with no significant gender differences. Analysis revealed self‐esteem as most predictive of a more effective overall coping response. Results suggest Mexican American adolescents possessing high self‐esteem are less likely to encounter damage to their sense of self when confronted with stressors, thus allowing for productive coping (J Sch Health. 2002;72(4):152–156)
Association of Language Spoken at Home with Health and School Issues Among Asian American Adolescents
Authors: Yu Stella M. , Huang Zhihuan j. , Schwalberg Renee H. , Overpeck Mary D. , Kogan Michael D.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The study examined the association of language spoken at home with the school and health risks and behaviors of Asian American adolescents. Using the United States component of the 1997–1998 World Health Organization Study of Health Behavior in School Children, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted of records for Asian children to explore the relationship between language spoken at home and outcome variables regarding health behaviors, psychosocial and school risk factors, and parental factors. Compared to those who usually speak English at home, adolescents who usually speak another language, or who speak two languages equally, face a greater risk for health risk factors, psychosocial and school risk factors, and parental risk factors. Not speaking English at home was associated with higher health risks, including not wearing seat belts and bicycle helmets; higher psychosocial and school risk factors, including feeling that they do not belong at school, difficulty making new friends, and lacking confidence; and higher parental risks, including reporting that parents were not ready to help them or willing to talk to teachers. Adolescents less acculturated to the United States experience a variety of physical and psychosocial risks. School‐based interventions such as early identification and outreach, needs assessment, and counseling and support services should be provided to immigrant students and their families. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(5):192–198)
Truancy, Grade Point Average, and Sexual Activity: A Meta‐Analysis of Risk Indicators for Youth Substance Use
Authors: Hallfors Denise , Vevea Jack L. , Iritani Bonita , Cho HyunSan , Khatapoush Shereen , Saxe Leonard
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT:Society increasingly holds schools responsible for the effectiveness of health promotion activities, such as drug abuse prevention efforts funded through the federal Safe and Drug‐Free Schools program. Consequently, school districts use student surveys as a method for assessing trends and evaluating effects of programs on behavior. Because cost and practical concerns often preclude consistent population‐based school survey sampling, risk indicators can provide an essential tool in analyzing needs assessment and program evaluation data. In this paper, three risk measures associated with substance use were selected from among commonly used school surveys. These measures — truancy, grade point average, and recent sexual intercourse — were compared, using meta‐analysis techniques, to assess the reliability of risk measures across different survey instruments, different communities, and different points in time. Truancy was judged superior, because of its strong predictive value, particularly among younger students, and because rates can be compared to school records to assess sampling validity over time. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(5):205–211)
Effectiveness of a School‐Based Intervention at Changing Preadolescents' Tobacco Use and Attitudes
Authors: VanDyke Esther M. , Riesenberg Lee Ann
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a tobacco intervention on preadolescents' tobacco use and attitudes. A tobacco assessment questionnaire was distributed to seventh‐grade students in May 1997 (N = 229) and 1999 (N = 230). During the 1998–1999 academic year, sixth‐grade students at the intervention school received a tobacco intervention. Though not statistically significant the number of smokers at the intervention school decreased from 43.2% to 31.1% after the intervention (p = .09). These students predicted less smoking in five years (29.6% to 19.8%, p = .078) and 20 years (28.4% to 13.2%, p = .004). Because of the difficulty in reducing smoking rates at the population level, the nonsignificant results can be viewed as a success rather than a setback. When faced with increasing use trends, an intervention can at least hope to achieve a decrease or slow the rate of growth, and the program succeeded in that respect. School‐based interventions can effectively influence preadolescent' attitudes concerning tobacco use. Future programs should begin earlier and be reinforced yearly.
Retaining School Children and Families in Community Research: Lessons From the Study of Children's Activity and Nutrition (SCAN)
Authors: Frank Gail C. , Nader Philip R. , Zive Michelle Murphy , Broyles Shelia L. , Brennan Jesse J.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Retaining school‐aged study participants poses a major challenge in any longitudinal research study. Dropouts produce bias in the remaining sample and this loss may affect study findings and their interpretation. Dominant factors that influence retention in pediatric research studies include family versus individual participation, patient management strategies of study personnel, knowledge about the condition or therapy, age and gender factors, credibility within the community, monetary incentives, and altruism. Eleven years after baseline assessment. Studies of Children s Activity and Nutrition boasts a 53% retention of the original hiethnic cohort in San Diego. Retention occurred partly due to a trained measurement team which completed sequential observations primarily in family homes and implemented continuous participant follow‐up procedures. Approaches for increasing student retention based on carefully designed studies and adherence indicators can assist researchers seeking maximum retention of school‐aged participants.
Recruitment Barriers and Successes of the American Lung Association's Not‐On‐Tobacco Program
Authors: Massey Catherine J. , Dino Geri A. , Horn Kimberly A. , Lacey‐McCracken Angela , Goldcamp Jennifer , Kalsekar Iftekhar
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper explores recruitment barriers and successes with research involving Not‐On‐Tobacco, the American Lung Association's (ALA) teen smoking cessation program. Forty‐six program facilitators across four NO‐T studies completed a questionnaire to assess recruitment methods used, effectiveness of chosen methods, and recruitment barriers. Facilitators reported the most effective recruitment methods were “one‐on‐one conversation with students” (53.3%) and interpersonal contact where students received lollipops and information about N‐O‐T (33.3%; “lick‐the‐habit table”). The most frequently reported barriers to recruitment were “students not interested” (60.9%) and “active parental consent” (28.3%). The greatest barrier to obtaining active parental consent, as reported by facilitators, was “students did not want to tell parents they smoked” (78.3%). Findings suggest that recruitment presented a challenge to N‐O‐T research partners, including investigators, ALA staff, and program facilitators. However, recruitment was effective when active recruitment techniques such as maximized interpersonal contact involving one‐on‐one conversation were used.
Long‐Term Influence of Sexual Norms and Attitudes on Timing of Sexual Initiation Among Urban Minority Youth
Authors: O'Donnell Lydia , Myint‐U Athi , O'Donnell Carl R. , Stueve Ann
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study assessed whether sexual norms and attitudes expressed during early adolescence by minority youth from economically disadvantaged urban areas produce a sustained influence on the timing of sexual initiation. African American and Latino youth attending three middle schools were enrolled in the Reach for Health study in seventh grade and followed from an average age of 12.2 to 16.1 years. Some 849 respondents answered the question, “Have you ever had sexual intercourse” at four time points: fall seventh, spring seventh, spring eighth, and spring 10th grade. Culturally tailored scales assessed sex norms and outcome expectancies, sexual responsibility, and refusal attitudes at fall seventh grade. Influence of these norms and attitudes in early adolescence on timing of first reported sexual intercourse was examined using ANOVA controlling for gender. At fall seventh grade, 30.7% of boys and 7.7% of girls reported sexual intercourse; by spring 10th grade, the figures were 74.8% and 56.4%, respectively. Those reporting greater peer involvement in sex and more positive sex outcome expectancies were more likely to have initiated sex by fall seventh grade. Through 10th grade, the higher the scores on peer norms (f = 41.08, p <. 0001) and outcome expectancies (f = 5.87, p = .002) at entry into seventh grade, the earlier the timing of initiation. Higher scores on sex responsibility at baseline were associated with delayed sexual intercourse (f = 7.36, p < .001), as are refusal attitudes (f = 15.62, p < .0001). Despite significant gender differences in timing of initiation and mean scale scores, these relationships were similar for males and females. Findings suggest the importance of addressing sexual norms and attitudes of minority youth in interventions to delay early sexual initiation in urban environments where this risk is high. Given their sustained influence on timing of sexual initiation, such interventions must begin prior to middle school and continue through mid‐adolescence, years when early sexual experience can lead to negative health and social outcomes.
Evaluation of a Child Abuse Prevention Curriculum for Third‐Grade Students: Assessment of Knowledge and Efficacy Expectations
Authors: Dake Joseph A. , Price James H. , Murnan Judy
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Researchers investigated the effects of a child abuse prevention program on third‐ grade students' knowledge of child abuse and efficacy expectations regarding abusive situations. Three hundred forty‐one students completed the 26‐item pretest and posttest questionnaires (n = 166 for the intervention group, n = 175 for the control group). Results indicated a statistically significant increase in child abuse knowledge from pretest to posttest with the intervention group, with no change in knowledge for the control group. However, no significant increases occurred in efficacy expectations regarding abusive situations from pretest to posttest for either the intervention or control groups. Results from this study can be used to improve child abuse prevention programs through addressing program components that may affect factors other than student knowledge of abuse.