Studied whether smokers and nonsmokers hold systematically different attitudes on tobacco smoking. Smoking-related Likert type attitude items were selected for analysis from a longer questionnaire. Results indicated both smoking and nonsmoking college students expressed highly similar unfavorable attitudes toward smoking but nonsmokers expressed…

Examined the eidetic imagery, verbalization, and social interaction related to adolescents' smoking behavior in a high school environment. Interventions aimed at helping adults stop smoking were considered applicable to teenagers. (Author/DB)

A study investigated the decision-making process regarding the cigarette smoking of students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11. Results indicate that greater emphasis needs to be placed on the social factors of the decision-making process in school health education programs and that the emphasis on social concerns should increase with grade level. (JN)

The responses of the research community to the apparent need for more effective health education for children is examined. This survey was confined to the area of cardiovascular health education. Three risk factor areas are reported: smoking, improper nutrition, and lack of physical fitness. (Author/GK)

Reports data from a psychosocial study of drug behavior among secondary school students in Puerto Rico. Concludes that although Puerto Rico and the U.S. differ in culture and lifestyle, both cultures provide similar sociocultural inducements for adolescent drug use. (Author/GC)

Considerable erosion of gains have often been found during follow-up periods for behavioral treatment programs directed towards adult smokers. Focusing more attention on preventing smoking among youngsters currently not smoking or reducing smoking among those just beginning the habit might produce more favorable results. (Author)

The results of this study indicate that tobacco smoking may have a deleterious effect on the learning process. Those Ss who smoked in excess of 12 cigarettes per day did significantly less well, as a group, than nonsmokers and light smokers on three of the four learning tests. (Editor)

Survey of 1,672 Mexican American students in grades 6-12 in a southern California school district found that smoking and smokeless tobacco use were greater among males than females and increased substantially across grades. Nonmigrant youths and those identifying with traditional Mexican American culture were more likely to consider regular…

This study analyzed the association between physical activity level and cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana use among public high school students. Youth Risk Behavior Survey data showed significant associations among white males for use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana. Higher physical activity levels were inversely…

Reports a study that examined how levels of physical activity and participation on school athletic teams correlated with tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents. Results indicated that level of physical activity and athletic participation correlated with less cigarette smoking but more binge drinking. (SM)

Investigates the prevalence of illicit drug use, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking behavior among a sample of high-school adolescents in the Pietersburg area of South Africa. Findings indicate the prevalence rate of 19.8% for illicit drug use, 10.6% for cigarette smoking and 39.1% for alcohol consumption among the participants. Implications…

Surveys of adolescents examined the link between sports promotion and advertising of alcohol and tobacco and teen smoking and drinking behaviors. Data analysis found an association between exposure to sporting events and cigarette use and beer consumption. Watching stock car racing was related to cigarette use; football and basketball to beer use.…

Conducted a meta-evaluation of 11 school-based smoking prevention programs. Criteria included: adequacy of research design; evidence of reliability and validity; appropriate statistical analyses and interpretations; reporting of effect sizes or practical significance; accounting for attrition; and tracking fidelity to the program. Criteria with…

Used the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) evaluation framework to assess how thoroughly recent school-based studies in 12 leading journals addressed RE-AIM issues, emphasizing external validity. Studies rarely addressed RE-AIM dimensions regarding external validity. School-based behavior change interventions…

College counselors can play an important role in implementing brief strategies that will motivate students to stop smoking cigarettes. Provides an overview of motivational interviewing, a specific protocol that can be applied to college student smoking. Also presents preliminary evidence of the success of this approach in promoting abstinence from…