Introduces a series of articles on peer health education, noting why this journal issue is devoted to peer education. Discusses the definition and structure of peer education, structure of the issue, overview of peer education, existing programs, customized interventions, and a training design for peer education programs. (SM)

College peer education is growing, often representing the best use of campus resources for specific needs. Model peer education requires carefully trained and supervised programs that ensure continuous quality improvement. Health educators are exploring more comprehensive training and delivery models, as peer education works to change health…

Reports a study of the effects of short-term fitness education on low-fit female college students' knowledge and attitudes. Group A received handouts and lectures. Group B received handouts only. Pre- and posttesting indicated lectures were more effective than handouts. Both groups demonstrated significantly higher knowledge about health and…

Describes one elementary school's experience utilizing undergraduate nursing students as an alternative resource for providing health education. Nursing students observed in the classroom, prepared teaching plans, and presented topics. Participants reported that the experience was effective in relation to the levels of achievement attained by…

The paper advances a number of suggestions for an enhanced research agenda in school health education, examining approaches to health education that work, noting new or enhanced directions that are suggested by current successes, and discussing directions for which there are few available data. (SM)