Used a national survey of school based health clinic directors to assess the success of clinics in terms of longevity and service delivery, testing factors, particularly political factors, thought to impinge upon their ability to function effectively. Results indicated that factors most consistently and significantly associated with success…

The purpose of this study was to determine if high school females differed in individual measures of health-related physical fitness, barriers to exercise, or activity level based on ethnicity or socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional sample consisting of African American (28%), Hispanic (23%), and white (49%) female high school students, 46%…

Background: Schools are in a unique position not only to identify mental health problems among children and adolescents but also to provide links to appropriate services. This article describes the characteristics of school mental health and social services in the United States, including state- and district-level policies and school practices.…

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…

High-school male and female students completed a survey on perceptions regarding nonconsensual sexual activity. Females, blacks, and students with low academic achievement were significantly more likely to perceive that all or most of their close friends were having sex. Females were more knowledgeable than males about nonconsensual sexual…

Telephone survey of urban school-based health programs nationwide examined current programs, obstacles, and approaches for addressing students' needs. City size affected the amount of services provided overall; a clear relationship existed between number of providers employed and number/amount of screening services available. (SM)

Data from a nationwide survey of school districts were used to contrast roles of nurses and health assistants in school health programs. Results indicated that nurses were underused in school health education. Health assistants tended to administer medication and basic first aid, and nurses provided technically involved clinical services. (SM)

A national survey of teachers of death education was conducted to determine the status of death education courses in the college and university health education field. Several concerns were investigated: (1) faculty development; (2) certification of teachers; (3) quality control; (4) textbooks; and (5) support of professional health associations.…

A survey of 10,259 North Carolina 7th-12th grade students revealed: alcohol, tobacco and marijuana were the most commonly used drugs; males and Whites were more frequent users than females and Blacks; almost 20 percent of 11th and 12th graders reported coming to school drunk. Results suggest considerations for drug prevention campaigns. (IAH)

Results from a statewide survey of 100 Alabama day care program directors identified the scope of health education activities, the program directors' perceptions of benefits and barriers to health education in child care settings, and factors affecting the adoption and delivery of early childhood health education programs. (IAH)

An analysis of 1991 South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey data explored factors associated with early age at first sexual intercourse. Nearly 50% of black males were sexually active before age 13. Carrying weapons, fighting, and early drug experimentation related to early initiation of sexual activity for all race and gender groupings. (SM)

School-based programs offer an efficient means of promoting the health of a large number of children. The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program was designed to decrease risk factors for chronic disease in elementary school children and includes separate coordinated interventions for child nutrition services, physical education (PE),…

A survey of the responses of 3,309 Louisiana students was used to determine students' meal and snacking habits at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Student responses concerned: (1) where and why food was consumed; (2) vitamin supplements; (3) reasons meals were omitted; and (4) reaction to school lunches. (PP)

Summarizes findings from a 1994 report, "Values and Opinions of Comprehensive School Health Education in U.S. Public Schools: Adolescents, Parents, and School District Administrators." Commissioned by the American Cancer Society, the national survey examined adolescent, parent, and administrator opinions regarding comprehensive school…

Data from a 1992 statewide survey of students in grades 5-12 were analyzed to determine the extent to which cigarette smoking predicted alcohol and other drug use and acted as a gateway drug. Results indicated smoking was a powerful predictor for alcohol and drug use, and the relationship was dose responsive. (SM)