Teen birth rates and teen pregnancy prevention strategies vary widely across individual states in the US, which has the highest overall teen birth rate among developed nations. California and Texas, the two most populous states currently accounting for a quarter of all teen births, have taken very different approaches to addressing adolescent…

Every year 1.3 million U.S. high school students drop out of school with one quarter of female students failing to graduate on time. Female dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, to earn less when they are employed, to become pregnant before the age of 20, to become obese, to smoke, and to drink more heavily than their male counterparts. This…

Examines increases in the overall cancer rate and in the rate of specific cancers in the Black population. Also discusses cancer risk factors and prevention strategies. (GC)

More U.S. young people have been gunned down during the past 13 years than died in the Vietnamese War. Crimes against juveniles are increasing; also, the intensity of today's youth violence is increasing. Over 3 million crimes (11% of all crimes) occur each year in America's 85,000 public schools. Sources, predictors, and solutions are discussed.…

This paper explores incidence rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and describes physical and cognitive impairments exhibited by FAS children. It examines program strategies for prevention of FAS in the United States and reviews research undertaken at the Edinburgh University Medical School, Scotland, concerning alcohol effects on the ovum before…

Determines the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among Native Americans and Whites in the United States from 1983-86. Findings indicate 1,075 Native American cases represented an annual incidence 2.8 times the rate for Whites. Fifty-six percent of Native American cases and 27 percent of White cases were attributed to diabetes. (JS)

Addresses sharp upswing in suicide rates in Italy between 1969 and 1989. Notes that northern regions had highest suicide rate; older adults had highest suicide risk. Results of one Italian center are reported, showing parasuicide rates to be higher for females than for males, whereas age group at highest risk is seen to be young women. (Author/NB)

This study investigates the relative roles of school district and school-level decision-makers in the implementation of effective substance use prevention curricula. Drawing on a "Site-Based Management" approach to effective decision-making, we hypothesized that schools whose personnel played active decision-making roles would be more likely to…

Despite dramatic increases in the number of Indian Health Service alcoholism programs and total expenditures, alcoholism mortality for American Indians and Alaska Natives increased 40%, 1986-90. Data analysis reveals little relationship of mortality rate with allocations, number of service components available, or per capita expenditures. Includes…

Proposes using a developmentally appropriate practice framework to determine if a sexual abuse prevention program takes into consideration the unique learning abilities of preschool children. Reviews definition of and statistics related to sexual abuse. Compares appropriate and inappropriate teaching practices in child sexual abuse prevention…

Broad-based community education strategies implemented in a rural South Carolina county to prevent unintended teen pregnancy showed reductions in pregnancy among teens from 1984-87. The reduced numbers realized a 20-year projected savings of $611,688 in public sector costs. Tables display data for this and comparison counties. (SM)

Examines suicide statistics among Blacks, particularly males. Holds that high suicide rates for Black males are related to low self-image, resulting from various socioeconomic barriers. Recommends community prevention programs and community support systems as suicide deterrents. (DA)

Discusses the legal, professional, and ethical duties of teachers who suspect the maltreatment or neglect of children. Presents statistical evidence that indicates that teachers are not fulfilling their duties with respect to detecting and reporting suspected abuse. Considers the implications for educational policy as it affects teachers. (JS)

Examined cases of attempted nonfamily abductions, to determine child and family characteristics that may serve as risk factors for such incidents. The prevalence and risk-marker findings from this study reinforce the need to continue teaching "stranger danger" and suggest that children living in stressful or unstable family environments…