Narrative is the basic mode of human interaction and a fundamental way of acquiring knowledge. In the rapidly growing field of health communication, narrative approaches are emerging as a promising set of tools for motivating and supporting health-behavior change. This article defines narrative communication and describes the rationale for using…

Objective: Community-based health promotion intervention for improving unhygienic disposal of children's faeces was conducted in a rural area of Nigeria. Setting: The study was conducted in Ife South Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria. Design: The study was conducted in 10 randomly selected rural villages: five control and five active.…

Objective: To document young people's and teachers' responses to "Icebreaker", a Theatre in Education (TIE) performance exploring themes of sexual health and relationships, in relation to "Healthy Arts"' objectives. Design: Data reported here were part of a wider evaluation of a government funded scheme. Setting: Data was…

This article looks at the importance of student-generated analogies, metaphors, and similes as an entry point into their understandings of HIV/AIDS. In addition, it argues that analogies, metaphors, and similes are good tools for eliciting students' prior understandings of HIV/AIDS, especially matters relating to sexuality that are often…

Although depression is strongly associated with suicide attempts and suicide deaths, most depressed youth do not make an attempt, indicating the need to identify additional risk factors. We examined suicide attempts among 451 depressed primary care patients, 13 to 21 years of age. In bivariate analyses, youth classified as suicide attempters…

In this article, we make the case that HIV/AIDS clubs in Ugandan schools provide valuable information to students who may not have easy access to health services. As one club motto suggests, the clubs "talk what others think you can't talk". The innovative peer education methods, which include drama, popular culture and community…

A study examined employees' knowledge of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), its prevention, and their legal rights after being diagnosed with CTS. A 24-item questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 30 Chicago-area employees who had been afflicted with CTS. Of those surveyed, 99% considered their CTS injury related to their…

The passage of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities legislation expands alcohol/drug prevention targets and makes it important that educators and community leaders understand how to seek out and compete for grant dollars to meet legislative mandates. The initial step in seeking grants is understanding which of the two types of sources,…

Tobacco use poses a significant threat to young people. Ways in which to warn children between the ages of 8 and 13 about the dangers of smoking cigarettes is presented in this book. It is a health education text containing precise information presented in a simple way, through the use of fictional characters who are vividly portrayed through…

This document summarizes a conference on the potential impact of sports on at-risk youngsters. More than 40 scholars and practitioners met to explore the role that sports programs play in promoting academic success, health and fitness, responsible social behaviors, and self-confidence, and ways that such programs could be expanded to reach those…

This guide was developed by the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools to assist district administrators and teachers, grades 9-12, to comply with federal and state mandates to develop and implement a plan for alcohol and other drug prevention instruction. The guide is based on the district-adopted curriculum, "Here's Looking at You, 2000,"…

Most smokers begin smoking as teenagers. The younger teenagers are when they start smoking, the more likely it is they will become heavy smokers, and the less likely that they will ever quit. This resource guide points out the problems of teenage smoking and provides action plans to combat using tobacco. Background information is presented about…

This publication presents information on physical activity among children and youth. Section 1 discusses physical activity patterns of young people, explaining that the issue has been a concern for educators and health professionals for several years because of the trend for children to become less and less active over time. Section 2 looks at how…

This book provides college and university personnel administrators with information and resources for the development and expansion of wellness programs at institutions of higher education. The five contributed chapters address some of the issues involved in the development of wellness programs. In Chapter 1, "Wellness in Higher…

In light of recent efforts in the United States to advance some type of universal health care package for all citizens, including preventive services for children, this report examines how other countries with universal health insurance provide preventive care to children, and what, if any, are the implications for reform efforts in the United…