Recent reviews indicate the most promising substance abuse prevention approaches available today are those that focus primary attention on the psychosocial factors promoting abuse initiation. Two of these approaches are described and discussed. (MT)

A study of the 4,382 children in the New Milford (Connecticut) Public School System was conducted to determine if upper respiratory conditions and other health problems were related to school performance. On the basis of this study, special education programing was not recommended for asthmatic children. (Author/MT)

This article reviews the discovery of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and describes the biology of the disease. The problem of AIDS among children is discussed and implications for school policy decisions are cited. (Author/MT)

This article describes the logic and assumptions on which health risk appraisals (HRAs) are based and offers recommendations for appropriate use of HRAs with school-age children. Specific ways to optimize the instructional benefits and to minimize the shortcomings are suggested. (MT)

The best interests of the handicapped are served when health professionals inspect their value system and how it affects their work. These values, left unrecognized, can undermine effective communication with handicapped youths and their families. (Author/CJ)

Presents a question-and-answer teaching technique for approaching K-12 drug education. Students can work individually or cooperatively to define and identify concepts related to drug use. Teachers supply factual information, dispel myths, and provide appropriate resources to correct errors. The article offers information on lesson objectives,…

With threats of being labeled abnormal or facing rejection, homosexual adolescents are pressured to hide their sexual identities. To provide optimal anticipatory guidance and support, professionals must understand the natural development of sexual attraction and the disclosure concerns and risks for developing homosexual adolescents (e.g., risk…

Used National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data to examine adolescents' alcohol use practices and related health risk behaviors, interpersonal problems, and demographics. High- risk drinking among adolescents related to a multitude of health risk behaviors that can seriously impede healthful human development. Adolescent males were…

Obligation to obtain informed consent for student participation in health-related research creates complex legal, ethical, and administrative responsibilities. This paper traces the historical impetus behind informed consent, identifies key elements comprising informed consent, reviews types of consent procedures used in schools, and suggests ways…

Investigated individual characteristics and peer influences related to adolescents' sexual behavior, considering gender and sexual experience. Students reported on intentions to engage in sexual activity and use condoms in the next year, amount of pressure to engage in sexual activity, and perceptions about the number of their peers engaging in…

To examine changes in cigarette smoking among high school students from 1991-99, researchers analyzed data from the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Results indicate that students' current smoking increased significantly, from 27.5 percent to 34.8 percent during that time. Results also suggest that later in the decade, current smoking may have…

Used data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey to describe gender differences in rates of tobacco use among youth worldwide. Results found little difference between the genders in cigarette smoking or use of other tobacco products. There was a high use of other tobacco products compared to cigarette smoking. Findings suggest that programs should…

Explores the possibility of integrating school-based and therapeutic conflict management models, comparing two management models: a school-based conflict management program, "Teaching Students To Be Peacemakers"; and a therapeutic conflict management program, "Life Space Crisis Intervention." The paper concludes that integration might be possible…

The results of this survey indicate that there is a continuing need, both financially and in knowledge, to upgrade drug education practices. (RC)

The results of this study indicated that there is a great need for sex education in Louisiana. (RC)