Proposes random-effects regression model for analysis of clustered data. Suggests model assumes some dependency of within-cluster data. Model adjusts effects for resulting dependency from data clustering. Describes maximum marginal likelihood solution. Discusses available statistical software. Demonstrates model via investigation involving…

Reviews the health consequences of smoking among African Americans. Examines factors predicting smoking onset in general and discusses studies assessing gender and ethnicity differences. Describes the Memphis Health Project, a five-year study identifying factors associated with smoking onset in African American versus Euro-American girls. (SM)

Perceptions adolescents formed of peers regarding modeled health behaviors were examined. Students viewed slides of adolescents with or without health behavior artifacts (apple, cigarette, beer can, or tennis racket), rating the models on 16 characteristics. Models were rated less mature, friendly, and intelligent when holding a beer can or…

Nonsmoking females (n=270) observed videotaped interview in design that crossed three levels of intensity of counselor smoking, three levels of client presenting problem intimacy, and two female counselors. No interactions were observed, but counselor smoking exerted negative impact on participants' impressions of counselor characteristics and…

Compared to the U.S. general population, American Indian children experience a smaller proportion of genetic and congenital anomalies associated with developmental disabilities and greater risk associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, maternal diabetes, and disabling sequelae of accidents and otitis media. Prevention efforts…

Examined effects of maternal employment on use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other drugs by ninth graders (n=48). Comparison of maternal employment patterns (full-time versus part-time versus not employed outside the home) indicated no significant differences in substance use behavior among adolescents. Findings support literature on…

Administered anonymous questionnaires examining behavior and attitudes toward drugs to random sample of 410 incoming college freshmen in 1973 and to 491 incoming freshmen in 1983. Comparison of results from the two years suggests that drug use in general is on the decline, with exception of alcohol and beer, and cigarettes for women. (NB)

The Take Heart Project in 36 worksites sought changes in tobacco use, cholesterol, and fat intake. Employee steering committees selected brief, low-intensity health education and environmental change activities. The project is an effective way to tailor interventions to worksites, taking into account site and employee characteristics and previous…

Presents a descriptive analysis of 13 nationally available smoking cessation programs. To gather data, researchers used a review form that measured program setup, duration, cost, techniques, success rate, availability, and discussion of issues involved with smoking cessation. Researchers also examined program manuals and interviewed program…

Reports on a study of 1,915 male and female adolescents that assessed weight-related practices and concerns of smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers were less satisfied with their weight and more likely to perceive themselves as overweight than nonsmoking peers (even though the groups did not differ in body mass index). (SM)

Examines adolescents' responses to a survey on smoking, smoking behavior, and psychological well being, along with information on household composition, income and parental education. Outcomes suggest that some of the key explanatory factors in take-up are temporary, psychological states. Argues that adolescent smoking is in large measure an…

Surveys adolescents (N=1,621) attending southern, metropolitan secondary schools to determine how much overlap there is in individuals who smoke, get drunk, use marijuana, and have sexual intercourse; and determine if overlap is according to age, gender, race, and family structure. Reports there are relationships between activities, although most…

Adolescent-parent pairs (N=537) were interviewed concerning their communication about tobacco and alcohol use. Parent communication reports identified three domains: rules and discipline; consequences and circumstances; and media influences. Results show that parent-child communication was not related to initiation of smoking or drinking. However,…

Reports a study that examined the value hierarchies of adolescent groups categorized by tobacco use (nonusers, experimenters, and heavy users). Surveys of rural 7th-12th graders indicated significant differences among the 3 groups' value priorities in areas including health, family security, and a world at peace. (SM)

Examined gender differences in the patterns of process use for smoking cessation using the Processes of Change Questionnaire. Results demonstrated the structure of the measure for men and women was invariant at the level of the variance-covariance matrices and that the hypothesized two-factor model fit the data. Only state of change predicted the…