Unmarried heterosexual college students' human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and sexual behavior were assessed before and after Magic Johnson's HIV-positive serostatus disclosure. After the disclosure, students showed small increases in HIV knowledge scores, but their attitudes, risk perceptions, and sexual…

A literature search investigated studies that demonstrated the impact of spiritual health programs on health outcomes. Out of 71 articles, 3 studies had high quality methodology and relevant program content with a spiritual component. The three programs produced excellent improvements in health behaviors and reduced morbidity and mortality. (SM)

Examines selected components of existing school smoking policies in schools nationwide as part of the Community Intervention Trial for Smoking Cessation. Schools were questioned about their smoking policies, related resources, and compliance. Results indicated that school tobacco use policies consistently failed to meet the conditions for health…

Presents model for adolescent health behavior, Pre-Adult Health Decision-Making Model, which takes into account differential information processing from peers, parents, or through critical or reflexive self-analysis. Reviews psychological and sociological literature on adolescent development, adolescent health behaviors, and Acquired Immune…

Reports a study of adolescents' motivations for smoking. Survey results indicated that curiosity, social norms, and pressures were the main reasons for beginning smoking and that pleasure, addiction, and desire were the main reasons for continuing; various gender differences surfaced. Suggestions are given for smoking prevention programs. (SM)

Examined relationship between affect, demographics, and health-related lifestyle among 139 public high school students. Data analyses revealed distinctive demographic and affective correlates of different health behaviors. No one variable uniformly predicted adolescents' health behaviors. Demographics and affect showed differential relationships…

Advantages of direct observation are prominent in assessment of dietary intake by children, particularly those too young to recall diet accurately, and in situations in which self-report bias exists. The article describes the direct observation method (focusing on institutional settings) and reviews literature on the subject, noting methodological…

Literature review examined studies of validity and reliability of children's physical activity self-reports and measures based on others' reports of the child's activity. The study identified 18 self-report or proxy-report measures of children's physical activity with some data on their reliability or validity. (SM)

Reviews several mechanical and electronic techniques for monitoring physical activity in children. The paper focuses on motion sensors (Large Scale Integrated Sensor and Caltrac Accelerometer) and heart rate, and it presents recommendations for establishing general guidelines for appropriate use of such monitoring devices with children. (SM)

Summarizes health-related physical fitness measurement procedures for children, emphasizing field measures. Health-related physical fitness encompasses cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. The article presents several issues pertinent to research on health-related fitness testing. (SM)

Examines recent evidence on the relations between physical activity, physical fitness, and health, noting the possible causal nature of the associations. The article evaluates the public health burden of sedentary lifestyles in the United States and provides suggestions for increasing participation in physical activity. (SM)

This study examined the effect of parental attitudes and exercise habits on child fitness and activity levels. Parents and children completed surveys on exercise, activity, and attitude. Results indicated that parental attitudes and practices had minimal effect on child fitness. Findings indicate the need to examine other factors in the child's…

Describes evaluation of "Heart Partners," which used an interpersonal approach to increasing schools' and teachers' acceptance and use of school health-promotion innovations. Trained individuals became on-campus recruiters and allies of advocates. Participant surveys showed a twofold to fourfold increase in actual use and reach of school…

This commentary addresses the role of behavior and learning in children's liking and eating of vegetables and candy, discussing the results from research with preschool children concerning their development of food preferences and the social context of eating. Practical applications of the research results for schools are presented. (SM)

Alcohol use among adolescent athletes is fairly high. Young athletes may be more likely to abuse alcohol than their nonathlete peers and to suffer the behavioral and psychosocial consequences of drinking. They are also more prone to binge drinking. Education and prevention strategies should focus on behavioral and psychosocial consequences,…