The primary goal of this handbook is to provide basic information about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It incorporates information on different facets of the HIV pandemic drawn from various sources. Section one addresses facts about the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and how the…

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major public health problem in the U.S. today. Health education teachers should take the initiative to teach others about the relationships of diet, personal attributes, metabolic disorders, and lifestyle characteristics to CVD. (JN)

Describes investigation examining factors that distinguish between sexually active adolescents who are at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and those who are at lower risk for these outcomes. Suggests factors associated with sexual risk taking include low GPA, frequent alcohol consumption, and low levels of parental…

Discusses school health services, adolescent immunization, current school immunization practices, and support for school-based immunization programs. Children and adolescents can receive preventive health services, including immunizations and monitoring of immunization levels. Expanding school health services could improve the immunization levels…

Although sexual activity is common among teenagers, it is not as widespread, and does not begin as early, as most adults believe. This report provides detailed data and analysis of sex among adolescents. Adolescent sexual activity is grouped in ten categories: (1) Rites of passage; (2) The context of adolescents' lives; (3) Sex among teenagers;…

Abstinence education is receiving increased attention as a way of preventing both teen pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. Effective sex education programs provide basic information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and also address the social influences on sexual behavior. Sidebars contain student comments. (MLF)

Reviews literature supporting the development and implementation of effective human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted disease behavioral interventions for adolescents, street youth, clinic patients, women, heterosexually active men, men who have sex with men, and communities, discussing favorable behavioral outcomes, describing…

Adolescence has often been construed as a difficult period in life, consisting of storm and stress. It is estimated that 25-50% of adolescents engage in risk behaviors with negative health and behavior outcomes such as drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy, or sexually transmitted disease. Topics covered in this literature review are: (1) child…