This pilot study tests the feasibility of using a Talking Circle approach and measures cultural values and beliefs within a HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevention program conducted among a Native American (Cherokee) youth population. A descriptive correlation design was used to examine the relationship between Cherokee self-reliance and…

Most of the existing ecological studies have been conducted during class instructional time. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe (a) how students (N = 102; grade 2-4) engaged in a strategy named "Health Passport" taking place mainly outside of school time and (b) how four physical education teachers held students…

Background: Obesity has become a national epidemic among youth. Declining physical activity and poor nutrition contribute to this epidemic. The purpose of this study was to obtain data on middle school students' physical activity and nutrition knowledge and practices. Methods: The Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey was developed and…

The use of illicit and licit drugs continues to be a major public health concern. Many prevention and drug education programs address this issue by attempting to enhance self-esteem. The idea is that increased levels of self-esteem will serve as a protective factor in decreasing the motivation and increasing the resistance to use drugs. This study…

While the relationships between health behavior and health status and between health status and perceived quality of life have received some attention, the association between health behaviors and quality of life has not been determined. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of health behaviors on quality of life that are…

Designed for teachers, administrators, and other specialized educational personnel, this professional paper describes new insights involving the problem of putting health knowledge into action. It explores reasons for the discrepancy between knowledge and behavior and suggests the asking of two questions: (1) What basic problem is the individual…

Examination of the effects of self-concept and personal values on the health behavior of community college students found a positive correlation between health behavior and self-concept scores. Persons who placed a high value on health appeared to practice more positive health behaviors than those who placed a low value on health. (CB)

Positive health behaviors can be learned by observing the behavior of others and its consequences for them. Four processes--attention, retention, motor performance, and motivation--can be used by teachers to increase the effectiveness of modeling. (DF)

Disadvantaged Black adolescents were surveyed regarding health knowledge, health locus of control, and health practices. Significant differences were found for scores on the health knowledge test due to sex, age, and health locus of control. Implications for health and nurse educators are discussed. (Author/DF)

Studies indicate that adolescents smoke to obtain a desirable image, rather than from direct pressure from peers. Suggestions for using peer influence to make favorable changes in health behaviors are offered. (DF)

This digest provides basic information designed to help people determine which of the many physical activity guidelines are most appropriate for use in specific situations. After an introduction, the digest focuses on: "Factors to Consider in Selecting Appropriate Physical Activity Guidelines" (group credibility and purpose, benefits to…

This book explores the power of educators to serve as HIV and AIDS prevention agents. The definitive text represents the work of a distinguished panel of teacher educators and health scientists who identify core information and skills effective educators of HIV and AIDS prevention should learn as they prepare to attend to the academic and human…

This report offers a composite review of methods used to prevent tobacco use. The report evaluates five approaches currently used to reduce tobacco consumption: educational, clinical, regulatory, economic, and comprehensive approaches. The report explains these approaches in terms of the larger context of tobacco control and provides a vision for…

This paper describes a study that tested the effects of an educational intervention on the alcohol-related knowledge, normative beliefs, attitudes, and psychosocial skills of high-risk drinking college students. Knowledge items measured cognitive awareness of alcohol risks. Normative beliefs and attitude measures reflected misperceptions of…

Walk into any first-period high school classroom and it's obvious: teenagers are exhausted. Sleep deprivation is an epidemic as widespread as obesity-and just as damaging. Fortunately, science has answers and Dr. Helene Emsellem has solutions that all parents can use. Affecting the lives of more than 41 million adolescents in the United…