Examined the relationship between academic and behavioral difficulties at school and tobacco use in 4th-7th graders. Data from student interviews at the time of enrollment and 8 months later indicated that average to below-average academic performance at baseline predicted new cigarette use at 8 months. Self-reported school difficulties related to…

Describes Wisconsin case involving the suicide of seventh-grade girl after principal suspended her for having a cigarette in her locker--disciplinary action required by school board policy. Parents sued claiming violation of their daughter's 14th Amendment rights and state negligence laws. Federal appellate court dismissed all claims; parents…

Interviews with 127 women who had recently given birth ascertained three components of learning transaction types related to learning about weight gain and alcohol and tobacco use. Majority spent most of their time in other-initiated learning episodes one-to-one or with print/nonprint material. Learning transaction types were associated with…

Discusses techniques for infusing tobacco-related issues into the elementary curriculum on a grade-by-grade basis. Associates tobacco with a variety of social, economic, geographic, and historical concerns, using recommended approaches for the prevention of drug abuse. (LS)

A group of outstanding science teachers agreed that student motivation and interest soar when real-life issues are used as themes for study. Illustrates how the interdisciplinary approach works with the issue of smoking. (MLF)

Investigates the potential of inoculation for promoting resistance to smoking onset among young adolescents. Provides data from a two-year study of efficacy of inoculation videos for promoting resistance to smoking. Suggests that, if resistance approaches are to have a chance of success, they must target young adolescents at the transition from…

A study found that children whose parents smoke are more likely to be smokers than children whose parents do not smoke. Maternal smoking has a stronger effect than paternal smoking on smoking by young adolescents, and has a stronger effect on daughters than on sons. Perceived peer smoking is an important determinant of a child smoking, especially…

Describes an initiative that offered smokers nicotine replacement along with smoking cessation and overall wellness interventions. The intervention included weekly smoking education sessions and round table discussions, dietary fat restriction, and nicotine replacement. Participant questionnaires indicated the program helped, but the decision to…

Studied weight gain after smoking cessation in a naturalistic setting where all smokers quit and risk factors for postcessation weight gain were modified. Results showed no significant weight changes for smokers who quit. Suggests that an intensive program featuring dietary guidelines and increased physical activity can attenuate weight gain. (RJM)

Explores possible historical and cultural reasons for the high prevalence of contemporary tobacco use among North American Indian populations. Discusses historic ceremonial and medicinal uses of tobacco, contemporary ceremonialism, and clinical observations concerning Indian tobacco use. Recommends that prevention programs promote a return to the…

Compared a 6-session, peer-led smoking intervention program for high school-age youth (n=93) to an identical program led by adults. Results showed a significant difference in the number of cigarettes smoked by students in both peer-led and adult-led groups when compared to the control group. (RJM)

Australian secondary school students from three grades rated danger of using alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, and other illicit drugs. Results showed more refined discrimination among older students, with type of drug and frequency of use being important considerations. Familiarity was major consideration for younger students. Cognitive…

Describes cancer control activities by the Indian Health Service in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, including risk factor assessment and cancer screening using a modified Health Risk Appraisal; interventions to reduce smoking; community empowerment; development of health education materials; and clinical preventive services. (SV)

A study examined the relationship of psychosocial variables (self-efficacy, coping, locus of control, and social support) and attendance at a hospital-sponsored smoking cessation program with smoking cessation. Questionnaires and interviews with participants indicated self-efficacy and number of classes attended related to smoking cessation. (SM)

High school students (n=41) evaluated 30 activities (smoking, drinking, drug use, sex) on perceived risk and benefit. Adolescents who participated in activity perceived risks to be smaller, better known, and more controllable than did nonparticipants. Participants perceived greater benefits relative to risks, greater peer pressure to participate,…