A study attempted to compare differences in alcohol and marijuana use between urban and rural junior and senior high school students. Results of the study indicate that the former gulf between urban and rural student drug use may no longer exist. (JN)

A description is given of an education program for the sophomore health class at a rural high school addressing the problems associated with adolescent sexuality. The background, processes, and problems characterizing the program's development are discussed. (JD)

Examined the relationship between demographic, practice, and cultural variables and rural school nurses' attitudes about AIDS and homosexuality. Data from mailed surveys (N=69) indicated that attitudes about homosexuality were related to nurses' homosexual knowledge and religious beliefs. Attitudes about AIDS were related to nurses' willingness to…

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…

This study examined the relationship between sex role stereotypes of women and eighth graders' beliefs in rape myths. Surveys indicated that both sexes accepted some rape myths and sex role stereotyping of women. There was an association between belief in rape myths and stereotyping. More boys than girls accepted rape myths. (SM)

Surveys of 8th and 10th graders regarding carrying weapons to school and associated risk factors compared those who carried guns with those who did not. Results found an enormous increase in guns at school over seven years. Most students had been crime victims and carried guns out of fear or anger. (SM)

Researchers examined willingness to use a school-based health center's (SBHC) primary care services. Rural 7th through 12th graders completed a survey. Results indicated that, although most were initially unwilling to change their primary care site to an SBHC, many were willing to use a variety of the offered services. (SM)

This study documented the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in rural elementary schools, examining the use of a free-running asthma screening test and peak expiratory flow-rate measurement for school screening. Results indicated that 5.7% of the students had EIA. Absenteeism and poverty were related to EIA. (SM)

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)

An anonymous questionnaire examined alcohol use, the social context of drinking, and sensation seeking among rural seventh through 12th graders. The sensation-seeking trait proved of moderate importance in distinguishing among different alcohol abuse practices. Social context measures were effective in distinguishing among levels on each indicant…

Examined the relationship of race and rural/urban setting to physical, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental factors associated with physical activity among eighth grade girls. More differences related to race than setting. Black girls were less active and more heavy than white girls. Enjoyment of physical education and family involvement in…

Article examines whether school-based health centers (SBHCs) are available, affordable, community based, and culturally acceptable to the public. A literature review and examination of a rural SBHC for young children suggest that SBHCs are culturally acceptable and accessible to children and families. Ten strategies for successful SBHCs are…

This study examined whether differences in social-cognitive determinants of activity behavior could account for gender differences in physical activity. Fifth graders (n=365) provided information on afterschool physical activity and determinants of activity behavior. Only differences in self-efficacy and participation in community sports accounted…

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…

For school-based health clinics (SBHCs) to succeed, the agenda for school-based care must reflect the community's needs and priorities. The article presents focus group data from three SBHCs in rural and urban Louisiana, demonstrating how controversies about reproductive health may frame more general concerns about school-based care. (SM)