Background: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the largest source of added sugar in the US diet. In adolescents aged 12-19, these drinks account for 13% to 28% of total daily calories. Compared with other adolescents, those residing in Appalachia have the highest consumption rates of SSBs. Methods: Using a Teen Advisory Council (TAC), a…

Background: In the emerging debate around obesity intervention in schools, recent calls have been made for researchers to include local community opinions in the design of interventions. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective approach for forming community partnerships and integrating local opinions. We used CBPR principles…

Background: The primary aim was to examine correlated growth trajectories and reciprocal effects between academic achievement and drug use over the course of junior high school. Methods: One hundred and three male and 98 female students from 3 rural junior high schools were surveyed 4 times over the course of 3 years. Dual trajectory latent growth…

Background: School-based interventions are critical for enhancing the health of youth. The "Goals for Health (GFH)" school-based project was a goal-setting and life-skills intervention conducted in rural areas to increase self-efficacy, knowledge, and positive behaviors related to healthy eating. The intervention was peer-led with high…

Reports the use of a parent survey in building support for a comprehensive secondary level sexuality education program in a rural community in Illinois. Most respondents supported sexuality education even for elementary students. Attitudes varied by demographic characteristics. In contrast to a survey 10 years earlier, parents were unsure of…

Parents of elementary students in rural Texas completed surveys about their attitudes toward and knowledge of comprehensive school health education. Results indicated parents widely supported health education, with alcohol, drugs, nutrition, and first aid being the topics they considered most important. (Author/SM)