The overall goal of this project is to better understand the types of youth programs available that may influence the health measures presented in the U.S. Chartbook where American adolescents fare differently--sometimes better, sometimes worse--than their counterparts in other countries. In an effort to do so, the authors reviewed the existing…

Substance use by American young people has proven to be a rapidly-changing phenomenon, requiring frequent assessments and reassessments. Since the mid-1960s it has remained a major concern for the nation. Smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, both during adolescence as well as later in life. How…

This chartbook investigates areas where U.S. adolescents' health or health-related behaviors emerged as significantly different from those of adolescents in other counties in positive, negative, or suggestive directions. Data come from the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which has coordinated comparable,…

History shows that humankind has always had an appetite for psychoactive substances. Since young people are especially vulnerable to drug abuse, the etiology, epidemiology, and prevention literature on substance use by school-aged children are examined in this booklet. It gives information on, and examples of, preventive approaches and programs in…

There are many issues concerning women of all ages and substance abuse. Women who abuse alcohol or other drugs are particularly at risk for sexual assault; unprotected sex; unwanted pregnancies; and sexually transmitted diseases. Females between the ages of 12 and 17 surpass males in their use of cigarettes; cocaine; crack; inhalants; and…

A 3-year intervention project focused on preventing substance abuse, violence, gang violence, and truancy among K-12 students at the Chief Leschi School in Tacoma, Washington, a tribally controlled, urban school for high risk and adjudicated Native youth. This paper reports the elementary school results. The Positive Reinforcement in Drug…

Trends in college freshmen's health nationwide based on an annual survey administered from 1966-95 are described, highlighting alcohol and drugs, physical health, psychological health, and sexual attitudes. Major trends include declines in beer drinking and physical and emotional self-confidence, and increase in stress and cigarette smoking. (SM)

A follow-up study of 103 Australian individuals (Ages 14-25) who were sexually abused, found they performed more poorly than controls on measures of depression, self-esteem, anxiety, behavior, and despair. They were also more likely to have a history of bingeing, smoking, and using amphetamines. Potential risk factors are discussed. (Contains…

Provides a model reflective inquiry strategy to educate students about the controversy surrounding the proposed ban on tobacco advertising. Presents a 15-day lesson sequence which explores implications for clashes between individual rights and state power, and includes a list of resources for classroom use. (LS)

Examines, by gender, the outcomes of the Minnesota Heart Health Program's Class of 1989 Study, presenting observations of the stability of students' behaviors over seven years. Self-reported data on various health-related behaviors indicated that girls may be more receptive than boys to social influences models of health education. (SM)

This article presents recommendations developed at the 1994 American Heart Association's Children's Heart Health Conference to promote cardiovascular health in children, particularly regarding public health, lifestyle, and behavior. The recommendations cover the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco, providing suggestions for schools,…

Presents a conceptual framework that can be used to estimate the costs of prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Cost estimates that have been made are presented. It is obvious that preventing drug use or smoking should be a first priority of public policymakers. (SLD)

Using data from a health behavior questionnaire, this study used cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to predict sixth graders' smoking behavior, Predictor variables reflecting interpersonal and intrapersonal domains were included. Higher rates of accurate classification into smoking categories were achieved with cross-sectional analyses.…

Data from Colorado Adoption Project were used to examine hypothesis that association between parental divorce and children's adjustment is mediated by genetic factors. Findings for psychopathology were consistent with an environmentally mediated explanation for the association. Findings for achievement and social adjustment were consistent with a…

The 1998 National Alternative High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey measured health risk behaviors at alternative high schools. Many alternative students engaged in behaviors that made them high-risk for serious problems (e.g., motor vehicle safety, violence, nutrition, sexuality, exercise, and substance abuse). Their prevalence of high risk…