Strengthened the theory of change approach to evaluating a complex social initiative by integrating it with a quasi-experimental comparison group design. Used the approach in an evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative. Initial findings support the usefulness of the initiative. (SLD)

This paper reviews recent literature on health issues for adults with developmental disabilities, reflecting on how it informs service provision, future research, and social and health policy. Results suggest future research should focus on interactions among biology, pathology, and behavioral and environmental determinants. More use of…

Evaluation of the Staying Healthy after Fifty program indicated that medical self-care instruction produces substantial improvements in health-related knowledge, skills performance, and actions. It produced no evidence that medical self-care instruction has any effect on health status, use of medical care, or quality of life. (JOW)

International nursing research is essential to an understanding of the nature, constraints, and resources related to the pressing needs facing nursing worldwide. The collaboration of researchers could empower nurses to make a difference in health and health care to those who need it most. (Author/JOW)

Recent research on the causes of hypertension could influence the care given by sports medicine physicians to Black patients in general, and to Black athletes in particular. (JD)

This issue deals with the future of an age-based public policy. Articles discuss the history of age-based public policy; the competing bases for benefits; population dynamics; Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare; employer policies; and local and state policies. Describes California's Linkages Program. (JOW)

School leaders and policymakers are increasingly challenged by vocal, well-organized opponents to progressive practices, curricular approaches, and recommended textbooks used in school classrooms. Two superintendents disclose their strategies for managing lawsuits involving a Michigan school health program and an Ohio district's adoption of the…

Pitfalls of sloppy science are discussed as they relate to the evaluation of human services programs. Differences between trial-and-error methods and the scientific method are discussed; and the requirements for sound research are reviewed, as are the shortcomings of a less rigorous approach. (SLD)

Describes the emergence of parish nursing as a specialty practice within community health nursing. Parish nurse roles include health educator, health counselor, liaison to community resources, and clarifier of the relationship between faith and health. (JOW)

Discusses the development and implementation of a surgery-patient education program in two Dutch hospitals. Evaluation of the new program shows that the specified information was provided to only a limited extent, partly because of problems with the implementation process and partly because some information was made available for patients to use…

Strategies to avoid the penalties of extra variation described by J. Cornfield and reduced degrees of freedom in community-level trials were compared in Monte Carlo simulations. The three conditions necessary to ensure nominal Type I and Type II error rates are detailed. (SLD)

Evaluates the effects of a self-management educational program on 29 children and their parents. Program consists of six sessions of information giving and cognitive-behavioral strategies for the children, and two talks and a brochure for the parents. Results indicate a significant effect on children's asthma knowledge and practice of…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether school districts in a rural western state employed school health coordinators or at least employed individuals who possessed the skills suggested for school health coordinators. Baseline data were collected soliciting the involvement of all 48 state school districts and the state girl's school (N…

The study was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) and student academic performance. Data were collected from schools and the community for three reports for 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC). The School Health Policies and Programs Survey (SHPPS), the National…

The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) was developed for use by school-based mental health professionals for any student with symptoms of distress following exposure to trauma. The Supporting Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) was adapted from CBITS for use by any school personnel with the time and interest to work with…