Presents findings from food frequency questionnaires and surveys of 138 Midwestern eighth-grade student-parent pairs. The study examined the incidence of modifiable and nonmodifiable osteoporosis risk factors and compared gender differences. Data analysis indicated that many adolescents possessed several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors…

This study assessed the interest of alternative high school staff in intervention research on students' eating and physical activity habits and the feasibility of conducting such research in alternative school settings. A two-phase descriptive design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methods. In fall/winter 2001-2002, alternative high…

Attitudes of ninth grade students and teachers in Denmark toward using condoms for protection against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were studied. Results indicate that information on "safe sex" had been understood, but that pupil behavior has not been satisfactory from the perspective of disease prevention. (SM)

Six articles describe the background, design, methods, findings, and implications of the 1986-89 Teenage Health Teaching Modules Evaluation study which (1) determined whether one comprehensive secondary school health education curriculum could positively affect student health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and self-reported behaviors; and (2)…

Summarizes results from the 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and trends from 1991 to 1997 in selected risk behaviors. Results indicate that many high school students still practice behaviors that place them at risk for serious health problems, with some behaviors more likely among particular subgroups. Some behaviors vary considerably…

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six categories of health-risk behaviors: injury-inviting behaviors, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. This report summarizes results from the national survey, 35 state surveys, and 16 local surveys conducted among high…

This paper examines levels of participation in and correlates of AIDS-related risk behavior for adolescents in high risk communities. Seventh through ninth graders completed surveys regarding attitudes, behaviors, and resistance skills related to sexual intercourse and substance use. Grade, race, and sexual activity correlated with drug use.…

Evaluated the need for school-based health centers in rural New York state. Examination of existing data, community organizational activities, parent telephone surveys, school staff surveys, and focus groups with community members, school staff, and 6th- to 12th-grade students indicated that respondents had varying opinions about school-based…

A statewide survey of secondary school teachers examined the scope of HIV education they provided and training needs they perceived. Questionnaire data indicated 75% taught HIV education. Most were self-trained, felt uncomfortable, wanted more training, and perceived others to be supportive. Middle school teachers faced the most barriers. (SM)

Describes a survey of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among inner city seventh graders (mostly ethnic minorities). Findings indicate a lack of knowledge and desire to learn more, supporting the possibility that improving AIDS transmission knowledge would result in more tolerance and less…

Reports on a study that examined the comfort level of eighth-grade teachers who used nontraditional teaching strategies in sexuality education classes. Surveys indicated that most were comfortable teaching sexuality education, though a quarter to a third never or rarely used nontraditional strategies such as role playing, small group discussion,…

Well-designed school health education should provide students with the knowledge and skills to prevent the health risk behaviors most responsible for the major causes of morbidity and mortality. This paper reports the methodology and findings of a West Virginia statewide health education assessment initiative and describes how the findings are…

Reports a study of North Carolina elementary and middle school teachers' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in assisting children of alcoholics (COAs), their need for additional training, and their perceptions of school-based assistance for COAs. Survey results indicated teachers were willing to help but desired training. (SM)