bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Mental Health Programs: A Challenge to the Health Professional
Authors: Dale Sandra
Published: October 2009

Mental health programs which facilitate prevention and remediation within the school system are indicated by large numbers of children at risk for problems. Counseling, consultation and communication activities to promote mental health can readily be provided by school health personnel. Barriers to the development and implementation of a mental health program include problems in staffing and communication as well as a continued illness orientation of the health professional.
The Primary Care Physician as a Member of the Educational Team
Authors: Bryan Elizabeth , Berg Beryl , Thunder Spencer K. , Warden Michael G.
Published: October 2009

A combination of direct medical service to a child from community physicians and an “interpretive” medical service within the school provides a pertinent, useful medical component of a child's school program. An example of this combination is given.
The Relevance of Health Education to Health Activation and Self‐care
Authors: Shirreffs Janet H.
Published: October 2009

Contemporary medical care is a valuable but incomplete approach to health. The individual is coming to be recognized by many providers and consumers of health care alike as the primary health care resource, and individual behaviors and lifestyles are now recognized as the principle determinants of health. A new trend toward health activation is emerging which emphasizes self‐care and self‐help. This movement is transforming the traditionally passive patient into an active, informed and effective participant in health care and health promotion. The recent interest in programs designed to enhance self‐care skills is extremely relevant to health education in the schools and the community. The prime justification of health education has traditionally been one of promoting individual responsibility for generating and maintaining health. Integration of health education concepts and strategies with health activation programs may have an overall effect of enhancing health in the United States.
Parental Attendance at a School Dental Program: Its Impact Upon the Dental Behavior of the Children
Authors: Lee A. John
Published: October 2009

The Okanagan dental health team invited parents of kindergarten children to attend an educational and brush‐in session of the school dental program. This included actively participating in the brush‐in.

In four school districts, data were compiled comparing children whose parents attended with children whose parents did not. Behavioral variables compared included dental visits, routine oral hygiene, and the use of fluoride paste and rinse at the sessions. Dental exams both a priori and a posteriori allowed an assessment of the dentition and gingival tissue of both groups.

Results showed a significantly greater improvement in both the dental behavior and dental health of the children whose parents attended the session. These results give valid evidence to the advantage of involving parents in a school based dental program.
Use of Value Clarification Methods In Venereal Disease Education
Authors: Breckon Don , Sweeney Don
Published: October 2009

The use of values clarification methods offers a means of dealing with the social‐emotional stigmas associated with venereal diseases. It has become apparent that the facts alone are not sufficient in motivating the individual to seek treatment and cooperate in the epidemiologic process. This article suggests techniques of educating students or patients in order to get them in touch with their own feelings, attitudes, and prejudices. It also fosters understanding of the prevalent social myths and misconceptions about venereal diseases.
An Analysis of Policies Regulating Medication in the Schools
Authors: Kinnison Lloyd R. , Nimmer Donald N.
Published: October 2009

The administration and storage of prescribed medication in the schools is an area in which parents, physicians and school personnel need a close working relationship. Two hundred local school superintendents, randomly selected from throughout the United States, were requested to identify if their school district had a formal written policy regarding the storage and administration of prescribed drugs and, if so, to send a copy of this policy for analysis. The recommendations derived from the policies received were readily divisible into 12 categories: (1) physician's approval/request for the administration of medication, (2) parental or guardian's request and authorization to give medication, (3) functions of the school nurse, (4) container holding medication, (5) storage of medication, (6) person responsible for administration, (7) supply of medication kept at school, (8) log or written record of medication given, (9) unused medication, (10) delivery of medication to the school, (11) recording of information in student's cumulative folder, and (12) other. The large percentage of school districts responding that they do not have formal written policies to regulate the storage and administration of prescribed drugs in the schools, coupled with the few school districts which sent policies for analysis, provide clear evidence that a greater amount of attention is needed in this area.
Non‐health Professionals and the School‐age Child: Early Intervention for Behavioral Problems
Authors: Nutting Paul A. , Price T. Brent , Baty Max L.
Published: October 2009

A methodology is described to utilize dormitory parents in direct care activities for the early intervention of behavioral problems of the school‐age child. Specific information gathering, assessment, treatment, referral and follow‐up tasks were defined and incorporated into a problem‐solving protocol which served to guide the dormitory parents through the defined problem‐solving process, to promote early identification of students with a behavioral problem, and to expedite referral to a professional for students with more severe problems. The methodology was pilot‐tested in a large American Indian boarding school and demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of dormitory parents in a therapeutic role as one component of a team approach to the management of behavioral problems. The pilot study resulted in a significant reduction in the rates of alcohol abuse and school dropouts and deserves application in a variety of settings.
The “Other” Veneral Diseases: Herpes Simplex, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis
Authors: McNab Warren L.
Published: October 2009

Although the term venereal disease has been synonymous with gonorrhea and syphilis, the Center for Disease Control now states that the new cases of herpes simplex type ‐ 2, trichomoniasis and candidiasis are rapidly approaching and, in certain instances, have surpassed the annual cases of syphilis and gonorrhea. Trichomoniasis and candidiasis are at times unbearable to millions of women. In relation to genital herpes, the circumstances are much more serious. It is rapdily approaching epidemic proportions, it has no cure, and it can be detrimental to the unsuspecting pregnant woman. It is imperative that, as health professionals, we broaden our teaching efforts to include these “other” venereal diseases and help our students to do what they can within the total framework of their own knowledge and behavior to avoid and treat venereal infections.

Traditionally the term “venereal disease” has been thought of as being synonymous with only gonorrhea and syphilis because of their high incidence rates. The Center for Disease Control estimates that there are 3 million new cases of trichomoniasis and 300,000 to I million cases of herpes genitalis, compared to one million cases of gonorrhea and about 20,000 cases of syphilis each year. These incidence rates certainly indicate a need for our educational programs to include trichomoniasis and herpes simplex, as well as the traditional coverage of gonorrhea and syphilis, in our health education classes. But what are these other common, sexually transmitted diseases? What are their causes, symptoms and complications, and most important, how can they be prevented or at least treated?
Involuntary Deviance: Schooling and Epileptic Children
Authors: Gliebe Werner A.
Published: October 2009

There exists in schools an unwritten set of presuppositions defining “normalcy.” Students going beyond these boundaries of normalcy are encouraged (sometimes punitively) to change their behaviors. However, there is a growing awareness that not all children going beyond normalcy do so willingly. The phenomenon here termed “involuntary deviance” represents a way of perceiving and dealing with special students. An example, the case of children with epilepsy, is presented to illustrate the need for health educators and other educators to be familiar with such medical problems and, among their students, to help decrease the social stigma attached to some of these conditions. This need will become more urgent as the practice of mainstreaming students becomes increasingly prevalent.
Treating Childhood Obesity in a Public School Setting
Authors: Ruppenthal Brian , Gibbs Eugene
Published: October 2009

Experience at an elementary school in Petaluma, CA, demonstrates that daily group exercise as part of a nutrition education program can help obese children attain normal weight‐for‐height. Such an exercise program requires minimal equipment and may be led by a classroom aide or volunteer parent at minimal cost. Dramatic improvement in participants' weight‐for‐height status may occur provided that student interest and attendance is maintained over a period of several months.
Health Education for Kindergarten Children*
Authors: Parcel Guy S. , Tiernan Kathy , Nader Philip R. , Gottlob Don
Published: October 2009

A health education program for kindergarten children was jointly planned and conducted by health and education professionals. The program demonstrates an application of an approach based on skill development for health behavior. It is presented as an example of how a school district can take beginning steps in developing a foundation for teaching health skills. A unique activity of the program included medical students as a means of involving health care professionals as part of school health education.
Formative Evaluation of a Sex Education Course for Young Adolescents
Authors: Parcel Guy S. , Luttman Dave , Meyers Michael P.
Published: October 2009

The study was done to demonstrate the use of objective instruments to evaluate a sex education course for eighth graders. Results indicated that knowledge scores increased and attitudes toward premarital sexual permissiveness changed to show a greater acceptance of premarital sexual behavior in relationships involving affection or commitment for marriage. Students tended to become less permissive in accepting premarital sexual behavior in relationships not involving affection or commitment for marriage. A sex‐concerns check list measured no overall change in the number of concerns, but there were significant changes in four of the 24 items. Evaluation questionnaires completed by the students, together with the diaries kept by group leaders, provided useful information to evaluate process and to implement program revisions. The experience of using a variety of evaluation instruments led to a greater awareness of types of data needed to measure the effectiveness of the instructional program.
Relevant Curriculum Planning in Health Education: A Methodology
Authors: Sutherland Mary S.
Published: October 2009

Procedures proposed to present a methodology for planning relevant health education curriculum included having students write out questions they felt their peers had about health in the specific content areas of community health, consumer health, diseases, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, ecology, family life, nutrition, mental health, personal health and safety and first aid. A sample survey was presented where 80 junior high school students wrote a total of 981 questions and 74 senior high school students wrote 786 questions.

Implications for the health education curriculum would be as follows: (1) Curriculum can be made relevant if the specific content covered is directly related to problems of daily living; (2) Provide needed cognitive information to meet real or potential problems of students; and (3) Provide guidance for the health educator in planning the kind and the amount of emphasis within the total health education program.
School Nursing: Current Observations and Future Projections*
Authors: Oda Dorothy S.
Published: October 2009

A questionnaire was sent to 16 nurses in administrative, supervisory, consultant and educational positions to determine the current state of school nursing. Opinions regarding the future of school nursing were also solicited. The results showed regional variations in the staffing levels, character of nursing practice, and use of school nurse practitioners. There was consensus that a provider image will be necessary and cost effectiveness will be crucial to the future of school nursing.
The Life‐After‐Death Phenomenon
Authors: Richardson Glenn E.
Published: October 2009

The life‐after‐death phenomenon has created student interest and is often a topic initiated by students in death education courses. The article summarizes some popular publications about the life‐after‐death phenomenon and extracts commonalities that potentially affect other topic areas in a death education course or unit. Topic areas such as coping with death, suicide and stages of dying are then examined to note the effect the phenomenon can have on the topical discussions. The article concludes with a section on precautions in teaching the phenomenon.
Belief Assessment as a Component of Curriculum Planning: Cigarette Smoking as an Example*
Authors: Roberts Stephen
Published: October 2009

Smokers, in comparison to non‐smokers, have quite different beliefs and values about smoking cigarettes. Differences occur in areas such as health, dependency and relaxation.
Difficulties Generated by Allergies
Authors: Baker Barbara M. , Baker Claude D.
Published: October 2009

Allergies have recently been related to the development of speech, language and hearing problems in students. Diagnosis and treatment is compounded by multiple complaints or the absence of complaints. If an unrecognized allergic hearing loss is operating, individuals sometimes are considered to be mentally incompetent or emotionally disturbed. In our analyses, articulation and hearing loss were found predominantly in conjunction with allergic rhinitis, and vocal quality problems were associated with bronchial asthma. These findings suggest that school health professionals should be aware of the possibility of an allergy disorder when dealing with young students who have learning, articulation, hearing or vocal quality problems.
Daily, Dry Toothbrushing in Kindergarten
Authors: Lee A. John
Published: October 2009

Dental Health educators, when utilizing the traditional classroom approach, face a problem in attempting to motivate preventive dental behavior among kindergarten children. That is, an increase in knowledge and/or positive changes in attitude do not necessarily result in positive behavior change.
The Research Dilemma
Authors: Crase Darrell
Published: October 2009

Respondents to a recent survey relative to readership habits of the Journal of School Health reflected a desire for the publication of less highly technical types of research papers. Studies of readers of other professional journals have yielded similar concerns. Several reasons are identified that speak to the practitioner's low regard for research as a consumer. Responsibility for bridging the gap between research and practice should be shared by researchers, educational institutions, professional organizations and professional journals.
Twenty‐Seven Strategies for Teaching Contraception to Adolescents
Authors: Chesler Joan
Published: October 2009

This article summarizes research on the effects of education on adolescents' contraceptive behaviors and suggests strategies to enhance teaching for contraception. Learning about birth control methods in sex education classes does not necessarily enable teenagers to use them effectively. In addition to needing accurate, unbiased information about contraceptive technology, teenagers need help in clarifying their values so that their social behaviors are congruent with their moral codes. Adolescents also benefit from understanding how contraception relates to sexual behavior and how family planning may enable them to become parents at the time of their choice. Twenty‐seven strategies for teachers are listed, each one related to a particular contraceptive problem adolescents encounter.
Adolescence: Psychological and Social Development
Authors: Heisler Alice B. , Friedman Stanford B.
Published: October 2009

Major developmental and psychosocial changes occur in adolescence. Adolescents strive for separation from family, independence, establishment of identity and realization of sexuality. The rapid changes in society have had marked effects on the adolescent's environment and on his adjustment to that environment. Increased mobility, changes in family stability and new standards of sexual behavior must be taken into account in attempting to understand the adolescent and his behavior. Normal developmental behavior in adolescence is sometimes judged to be a serious emotional problem; at other times serious emotional problems are not appreciated. Careful assessment of developmental and psychosocial factors is important in making this differentiation. At the time of such assessment, the health professional will establish his own criteria for consultation and referral according to his interest and experience.
Writing a Health Education Curriculum Guide from Scratch
Authors: Pruitt B. E.
Published: October 2009

The six‐phase proposed model of a health education curriculum guide involves (1) organizing, the establishment of a dual committee structure, (2) direction setting, identifying change needs after considering both present and preferred situations, (3) drafting the curriculum guide, writing goals and objectives, outlining scope and sequence, and identifying proposed activities and evaluation methodology, (4) interpreting, presenting the draft to administrators, teachers, the general public, and the school board, (5) implementing, establishing a timetable and removing obstacles which may prevent effective use of the curriculum, and (6) evaluating, collecting and interpreting data in order to improve the curriculum guide. The information is presented for use by the novice to the curriculum development process. The goal of the article is to provide an overall concept of the task of writing a curriculum guide.
Use of Medical Information in School Planning
Authors: Bryan Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Student health information is essential for determining the effect of a health problem on school performance. The sharing of information that is pertinent to a child's individual needs requires judgment on the part of both physicians and school personnel. There must be mechanisms for communication and a plan for storage and retrieval of data that is both accurate and accessible. There must be a mutual desire among the professionals to establish a close relationship that is responsive to the needs of the children they serve.
Predictions
Authors: Borreca Frank A.
Published: October 2009

Because all changes in our society evolve slowly, we must now begin to develop comprehensive future plans for educating the handicapped. In order for the educational system of the future to meet the needs of society, programs must be designed to accommodate the uniqueness of each student. The system must focus on vocational orientation and realistic preparation for adult living to support the concept that handicapped individuals have a potential for community integration. Comprehensive training, realized through cooperation of schools and ongoing community resources, will prepare the handicapped to take their place in a work force which will need to utilize the potential of every qualified individual available.
Is “Natural” Always Healthy?
Authors: Kaufman M. Robert , Siek Theodore
Published: October 2009

Currently the word “natural” is being used to imply health, safety and wellness. Due to exploitation of this concept and insufficient knowledge, the public has been vulnerable to experimentation and quackery. Herbal highs, folk remedies and self‐medication are increasing in popularity. Many of these substances produce psychoactive or physiologic effects which are potentially toxic to the user. Herbal preparations in the form of cigarettes, teas and seeds may contain “natural” chemicals capable of producing adverse reactions. Cyanide poisoning from the ingestion of Laetrile and cyanide‐containing fruit kernels has become a major concern.
Two Promising Measures of Health Education Program Outcomes and Asthmatic Children
Authors: Green Kathy E. , Kolff Case
Published: October 2009

Two measures of health education program outcomes were administered to a group of 50 asthmatic children: the Child's Health Locus of Control Scale and the Piers‐Harris Children's Self Concept Scale. Interest centered on the reliabilities and discriminant validity of these instruments. Results showed high alpha reliabilities for both scales and a low, positive intercorrelation. Mean health locus of control and self‐concept scores for this group were comparable to those of healthy children. These findings may be useful in designing and evaluating health education programs for children with asthma.
Health Education Programs in New Jersey Public Schools*
Authors: Lavenhar Marvin A.
Published: October 2009

A mail survey of school health education programs in New Jersey was completed in 1977 by 45% of the public schools. The survey findings suggest that the 1973 resolution of the State Board of Education, designed to promote a more comprehensive approach to health education in New Jersey schools, has by no means been uniformly implemented. The comprehensive approach to health education has developed slowly at the elementary school level and in the least affluent and more heavily populated school districts, particularly those with the highest minority group enrollment. Increasing trends in teenage pregnancy, venereal disease and substance abuse suggest that the current approaches to health education have not been effective. More research and evaluation is needed to identify the most effective means of promoting positive health practices at an early age.
Treating Adolescent Obesity
Authors: Zakus Gloria , Chin Mary Lee , Cooper Henry , Makovsky Evi , Merrill Cinda
Published: October 2009

A weight control program for junior high school students was developed to change eating, exercise and habit patterns. The course included dietary management, physical activity and behavior modification techniques. Classes were structured to emphasize peer group involvement and daily practical application. The curriculum was compiled in a book for educational personnel. The program was tested as a pilot project with a selected group of eighth grade obese adolescent girls and a comparison group. Immediately after the course, the subjects' percent of overweight had decreased; at a subsequent eight‐month follow‐up, additional losses were noted. The percent of overweight of the girls in the comparison group remained relatively unchanged. While the program was successful with this particular group of students, several key questions, requiring further study, were defined.
Mildly Handicapped Children in the Mainstream — Implications for the Health Educator
Authors: Mori Allen A.
Published: October 2009

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, PL 94–142, will cause mildly handicapped children to be integrated into mainstream academic classes including health education. Because of the disparate needs of these children, health educators will have to provide for a diverse group of learners. Since it is clear that health education encompasses topics crucial to the overall social and personal development of the handicapped, it is essential that health educators become prepared to maximize learning opportunities for the handicapped child in the mainstream.
Needed: Comprehensive Profiles of School Health Educators
Authors: Crase Darrell
Published: October 2009

The availability of a large amount of baseline data depicting characteristics and work experiences of health education faculty would be useful in charting future directions of health education. At present, there is a paucity of such information.
Burns and Their Psychological Effects on Children
Authors: Luther Stephen L. , Price James H.
Published: October 2009

An estimated two million people suffer burns serious enough to seek medical attention, and thousands die each year from fires. Children are especially vulnerable to the trauma of burns. This article examines the psychological effects of burns in children and suggests ways of preventing the burns using the epidemiological model.
School Health Services
Authors: Newman Ian M. , Newman Enid , Martin Gary L.
Published: October 2009

Data describing the utilization of school health services in a small rural elementary school were examined in terms of the costs of these services and the contributions of these to the school's educational mission. In the absence of health service personnel, teacher time needed to care for routine and emergency health services would equal almost one half of a teacher's time. When costs of health services wer compared to the value of the services provided by a health aide and part‐time nurse, it was clear that health service costs were minimal compared to the contributions made to the school's educational mission.
Experiential Aging Activities and the Early Adolescent
Authors: Glover Elbert D. , Baffi Charles R. , Redican Kerry J.
Published: October 2009

Educational programs concerning aging are being developed and implemented as a part of many comprehensive health education programs in response to a heightened awareness about the physical, mental and social problems associated with the aging process. To the adolescent, aging may contain enigmatic content to which it may be difficult to relate. Experiential activities will enhance an aging unit or program developed for adolescents as well as interested health professionals. Discussion questions summarizing each experience can maximize the educational benefit of the activity.
Evaluation of an Activity‐Centered Health Curriculum Using the Health Belief Model*
Authors: Brooks Charles H. , Kirkpatrick Margaret , Howard Daniel J.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an activity‐centered health education curriculum on the attitudes of 4th, 5th and 6th graders in a small, midwest city school system. The program was evaluated in part by a pretest/posttest design in which 10 randomly selected schools received the health curriculum and 10 schools did not. Twenty‐eight (28) health belief model questions were used to measure perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived preventability and self reported behavior relating to general health problems. The results indicated that the experimental students, compared to their controls, were much more inclined to change their health beliefs and self‐reported behavior in a positive direction, regardless of grade level.
Graham‐Kellogg, Early American Contributors to Health Education
Authors: Edwards Ralph
Published: October 2009

Sylvester Graham of Graham Cracker fame revolutionized health practices, fought against the use of white bread and suggested sexual abstinence. John Harvey Kellogg, an MD and a vegetarian, suggested certain health practices like vigorous chewing of food, invented medical hardware and preached sexual abstinence. The influence of both on the health education of their time and on that of future generations is both interesting and of historical importance.
Multidisciplinary Assessment of Learning Problems ‐ School Nurse's Role
Authors: Brown Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Clark, 7 years old, had multiple school problems, but these didn't seem to be explained by his bilateral neurosensory hearing loss. Though seemingly bright, preferential seating and the help of an itinerant teacher for the Aurally Handicapped were not enough to meet the needs of this child. Other factors were poor coordination, frequent tardiness and disruptive behavior. A medical evaluation which utilized a whole child approach was initiated by the school nurse. Unilateral aural amplification was found to help Clark's distractibility and inattentiveness. An occupational therapist's assessment of his coordination led to the development of an individual sensory integration treatment program. A recommendation for parent and child counseling was also made.

Sharon, 11 years old, was progressing poorly as a transfer student into an Educationally Handicapped tutorial program. A review of available information revealed an incomplete multidisciplinary evaluation with no pertinent medical investigation ever being done. Her history and behavior suggested possible central nervous system injury. There were also indications of need for an indepth study of her language development. The follow‐up activities started by the school nurse led not only to the school better meeting Sharon's educational needs, but also to the parent's request for a similar medical evaluation of a younger sibling. The latter child had repeated a grade, but her slow progress was yet to be of major concern for the involved teacher. This younger (6 year old) sibling's evaluation resulted in early special education assistance.

Tony, 5 years old, concerned his kindergarten teacher who wanted help in planning to meet his needs. Neither retention nor promotion by themselves presented problems. His situation was complicated by glaring gaps in readiness for academic activities, a confusing home situation and unrealistic parental expectations. A detailed health and developmental assessment by the school nurse facilitated parental cooperation with an educational evaluation. It also made available to the mother an objective, medically oriented community resource where she could discuss differences with the teacher. A basis was thus established for constructive planning.
Assessing Potential Predisposition of Elementary School Children to Heart Disease
Authors: Crow Thomas A. , Brown Ric , Hubbard E. Janese , Copeland Lee R.
Published: October 2009

Physical well‐being has been designated a top priority for the children in the Clovis (California) Unified School District. In an effort to diminish coronary risk factors and encourage a healthy life style, a health assessment battery was developed for students in grades 1 through 6. The battery included measurements in height, weight, blood pressure, sit and reach flexibility, and skin‐fold test for body fat composition. More than 5000 students were administered the tests by a health assessment team consisting of two nurses, three physical education resource teachers, and two clerical staff members. A random sample of 100 males and 100 females at each grade level was utilized for the statistical analysis. The correlation between body fat and weight was .80 (p v .05) in the fifth and sixth grades. Body fat was positively correlated with both systolic and diastolic measures of blood pressure. The coefficient averaged .21 (p v .05) over the 6 grades for systolic and .22 (p .05) over the 6 grades for diastolic blood pressure. Future plans call for the development of a longitudinal profile of students, as well as establishing district norms for the test battery.
Are Physicians Educable?
Authors: Chilton Lance A.
Published: October 2009

Third‐year medical students on their pediatric rotation at the University of New Mexico (UNM) are assigned to spend two mornings with school nurses at the students' choice of schools. Each student is given a list of goals and questions relating to those goals to guide his/her experience. Following the two sessions, each student answers a questionnaire testing understanding of aspects of the school nurse's work and interrelationships between school nurses and physicians. Of the first 67 students responding to the questionnaire, 66 found the program valuable and worthy of continuation. The medical students' understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the nurses whose work they observed appeared excellent. Two‐thirds of the students perceive poor communication with physicians as a major frustration for the nurses. Their appreciation of this need, plus their ability to recognize the many capabilities of school nurses, should result in better interaction between the two professions.
Recidivism and Drug Use Among School‐age Children
Authors: Cappel Lawrence W.
Published: October 2009

This paper is the result of an investigation of recidivism rates among teenaged children who completed a program designed to improve communication between the children and their parents. A sample of 62 children from 13 to 18 years old was utilized. All had been referred to a mental health program by juvenile courts for therapeutic intervention because of drug offenses. The intervention program stressed family communication and communication techniques and required both the child and parents to attend. Three types of rates of recidivism were then obtained from juvenile court records for each sample member including all referrals, adjusted referrals, (excluding such referrals for truancy, fighting, traffic offenses, etc.), and those referrals for drug offenses only. These were analyzed for both pre‐ and post‐ intervention length of time. Analysis of data revealed significant (p v .001) decrease for all three categories of referral. Notable was that the recidivism rate for drug offenses declined significantly. While this data is encouraging some considerations are necessary. First, the degree of experimental control was limited. The use of a control group would perhaps have been beneficial. Secondly, one must consider the effect of the “arrest experience” and its relationship to learning how to avoid getting caught for the same offense twice. This could be examined further if the pre‐ and post‐intervention periods could be lengthened. A final consideration would be the effect of other intervention programs on recidivism, since many of the children were receiving more than one type of therapy. The question of which intervention program most effected the decline of recidivism would have to be answered before one could accept the conclusion that the communication program was indeed responsible for the significant decrease in recidivism.
Knowledge of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection In Elementary School Children
Authors: McCann‐Sanford Thurma , Spencer Mary J. , Hendrick Allison , Meyer Eleanore E.
Published: October 2009

Children often acquire health and disease information from their parents; and, as a rule, parents of a higher socioeconomic status are often better educated than those of lower socioeconomic status.

This study assessed children's knowledge of upper respiratory tract infection and correlated the level of knowledge with socioeconomic status, ethnic background and frequency of school absences. Twenty‐two true‐false questions were give to 331 elementary school children in grades two, four and six. Two schools were chosen because of differences in socioeconomic status of the prospective neighborhoods. The questionnaire was administered orally by one examiner while the children completed their own answer sheet.

The higher socioeconomic status (SES) school had a correct mean score of 14.39, whereas the lower SES school had a mean score of 13.53. The mean correct score increased with grade level. White children had a mean correct score of 14.37, whereas non‐white children had a mean correct score of 12.81. The mean correct score did not differ by sex. There was no correlation between mean correct score when compared to the students' claim of days missed from school because of upper respiratory infection. Students from both elementary schools appeared to have a general knowledge of etiology, symptoms, treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract infection.
Part I. Program Development in Twelve States: School Nurse Achievement Program
Authors: Smith Ann N. , Goodwin Laura D.
Published: October 2009

The School Nurse Achievement Program is a national continuing education program for school nurses who want to increase their service to disabled school children. Program goals and course content are derived from a national position statement on the role of the school nurse working with the handicapped child and a national survey of school nurses' educational needs. Now being offered in twelve states, the course presents current clinical information about childhood disabilities.
Predicting Adolescent Smoking
Authors: McCaul Kevin D. , Glasgow Russell , O'Neill H. Katherine , Freeborn Virginia , Rump Brenda S.
Published: October 2009

Two hundred and ninety‐seven seventh grade students (143 males and 154 females) participated in a prospective study to predict adolescent cigarette smoking behavior one year later. Predictor variables included 10 survey items assessing the smoking behavior of students' friends and family, students' school behavior and beliefs about smoking and students' intentions to smoke in the future. The one‐year follow‐up survey was administered under “bogus pipeline” conditions to enhance the validity of self‐reported smoking status by including the collection of saliva thiocyanate samples. Univariate analyses indicated that smokers differed from nonsmokers on a number of measures and that there were few sex differences on either the survey variables or on smoking status. Stepwise discriminant function analyses revealed that it was possible to accurately predict the onset of adolescent cigarette smoking by combining the survey variables. The three variables that consistently accounted for the greatest proportion of the variance were number of friends who smoke, intentions to smoke in the future and percent of older siblings who smoke. The implications of this work for programs intended to prevent adolescent smoking are discussed.
Patterns of Change in Adolescent Smoking Behavior and Results of a One Year Follow‐up of a Smoking Prevention Program*
Authors: Coe Rodney M. , Crouse Eric , Cohen Jerome D. , Fisher E. B.
Published: October 2009

A smoking prevention program for adolescents conducted in two public middle schools focused on resisting peer pressure to smoke and understanding the intent of commercial cigarette advertising. One class in each school participated in the program group and one served as a control group. The program consisted of eight sessions and was conducted by first‐year medical students. Data on smoking behavior and related information were obtained from self‐administered questionnaires at baseline, at the conclusion of the program, and one year later. One year after the program was concluded, the proportion of non‐smokers was higher among those who had participated in the program than among the controls. This suggests that routine implementation of smoking prevention programs in conventional school settings may be productive in reducing the prevalence of cigarette smoking.
The Evaluation of a Cardiovascular School Health Curriculum: An Assessment of Long‐Term Cognitive Retention and Attitudinal Correlates
Authors: Holcomb J. David , Carbonari Joseph P. , Nelson Jo , Wylie Lee
Published: October 2009

A Cardiovascular School Health Curriculum was evaluated to assess its long‐term impact on students' cognitive retention and attitudinal correlates. Analysis, of the data showed that the students who had received the special cardiovascular curriculum had a higher knowledge level six months after the curriculum than did the control group. The primary differences between the two groups were in the major emphasis of the curriculum; thus, providing confidence in the impact of the program. Differences in attitudes toward cardiovascular disease risk and control were not found.

Since 1975, researchers in the Division of Education of the National Heart and Blood Vessel Research Demonstration Center (NRDC) of Baylor College of Medicine have developed and evaluated educational programs designed for secondary school health education. This developmental process produced a cardiovascular school health curriculum with nine self‐instructional units focused on the heart and circulatory system, cardiovascular diseases, risk factors of cardiovascular disease and warning signs of heart attack and stroke. These units were augmented with a teacher's guide, classroom activities, audiovisual resources, homework assignments and achievement tests to form a two‐week health education program.

The curriculum has been evaluated in a variety of settings and by several methods.1–3 The results of these studies were positive in that the curriculum significantly increased the knowledge levels of those students who participated in the program. Additionally, as a result of the program, the participants had more positive attitudes toward preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease.

Although the results of the evaluative studies were positive, the researchers were concerned about the student's retention of knowledge and related attitudes. This paper will present results of an assessment of the impact of the curriculum on students' knowledge and attitudes six months after its completion.
Comparison of School‐Based Treatments for Adolescent Obesity
Authors: Lansky David , Brownell Kelly D.
Published: October 2009

Seventy‐one obese adolescents participated in behavior modification or exercise/nutrition‐education weight loss programs in three schools. Sixty‐four percent in the behavioral program and 63% in the exercise/nutrition program decreased their percentage over ideal weight. The comparable effectiveness of the two approaches indicates that school‐based programs of behavior modification and exercise/nutrition‐education can be implemented by school health professionals and can reliably produce weight loss among children.
Theory‐based Health Education Activities for Third to Sixth Grade Children
Authors: Jaycox Sharon , Baranowski Tom , Nader Philip R. , Dworkin Rosalind , Vanderpool Nathalie A.
Published: October 2009

Eight educational activities based on social learning and social support theories were used as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction program for families with children in the third to sixth grades. These activities focused on providing the children with skills in recognizing high‐salt and high‐saturated fat foods, preparing such foods, resisting pressures to eat such foods, increasing aerobic activity and providing support to peers and family in attempting such changes. Data analyses revealed significantly greater decreases in high‐salt and high‐saturated, fat food consumption and perceived increases in aerobic activity, in the experimental than the control group. The participative, enjoyment and inexpensive aspects of these activities are emphasized to encourage their use in school health programs.
An Analysis of Policies Regulating Medication in Ohio Public Schools
Authors: Ross James C. , Foreman Charles M.
Published: October 2009

The development of medicines, state and federal laws requiring the enrollment and mainstreaming of handicapped students and the use of behavior modifying drugs has resulted in more requests by parents to have medication administered to their children during school hours. The problem in schools without immediate access to nurses is to accommodate students who need medication while at the same time avoid the dangers that are inherent in administering medication to children. The purpose of this investigation was to determine what guidelines are being followed in Ohio schools on the storage and administration of prescribed medication.

Policies and regulations on the administration of medication, solicited from a random sample of Ohio school districts, were found to be not in keeping with pertinent legislation, litigation and recommended procedures. The investigation of the sample districts revealed enough inadequacies to suggest that: 1) many Ohio school districts need formal policies and regulations in the administration of medication; and 2) Ohio school districts having policies and regulations in the administration of medication should seriously consider eliminating whatever inadequacies exist for the safety and well‐being of students and staff.

A sample board policy statement, regulations for administering prescription and nonprescription medication in schools, a request form and a model statute designed to protect the employee from tort liability as a result of ordinary negligence in the administration of medication were developed in keeping with the findings of this study and are recommended for consideration as models by school districts nationwide.
Visits by Elementary School Children to the School Nurse
Authors: Stephenson Charlotte
Published: October 2009

Various factors seem to influence health seeking and illness behavior in childhood, among which are early socialization, modeling behavior in adults, the labeling of illness and psychological distress. The characteristics of a group of elementary school children who visited the nurse's office were observed and descriptive data were obtained on 551 students during a six‐month period. Correlation analysis of the data was made. The conclusion of the study supported the following ideas: 1) health seeking and illness behavior was a learned process; 2) there was no differences noted in the frequency of visitation by boys or girls; and 3) recurrent health problems contributed to the frequency of visitation. The role of the school nurse in assessing potential physical and or psychological problems was affirmed.
Teachers' Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse
Authors: Turbett J. Patrick , O'Toole Richard
Published: October 2009

Help for abused children, abusive parents and families depends upon early recognition and reporting of the problem. This research employs an experimental design using vignettes (brief descriptions of potential abuse) to manipulate the affect of parents' socioeconomic status, ethnic status and the child's level of injury on teachers' recognition and reporting of abuse. Results for teachers are compared to the authors' previous research on nurses' and physicians' judgments. Results indicate that, while all three professional groups responded to the child's level of injury, physicians' judgments were affected by parents' socioeconomic status and ethnic status, but teachers' and nurses' judgments were not affected by these variables. The signs of abuse and causal notions employed by the three groups also are compared. Implications for the teachers' role in recognition and reporting of child abuse are discussed.
Smoking Behavior of High School Students in Israel
Authors: Zoller Uri , Maymon Tsipora
Published: October 2009

To evaluate the recently developed and implemented Israeli educational program “Smoking and Cigarette Smoke” (SACS), data was collected on the current smoking behavior and attitudes of high school adolescents.

A representative sample of 1,420 students in 22 high schools participated in the study. Each participant had to respond to 65 items of a specially devised questionnaire with respect to his or her smoking behavior and attitudes. According to age and sex in the school year 1980–81, the percentage of smokers within the target population, the distribution by age of when the student started smoking, as well as the distribution of reasons given for both smoking and not smoking, are recorded and analyzed. Generally, it was found that smoking behavior (and age distribution) of high school students in Israel is comparable to that of high school students in the United States. However, the reasons for smoking and not smoking as perceived by the students themselves are different in the two countries both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is concluded that in order to be successful, any preventive antismoking program should be modified and tailored in accordance with the characteristics and needs of the target population under the particular local set of constraints.