Reports a large-scale survey (N=1985) of 9- to 12-year-olds' representations of parents' and friends' views about the nature of smoking. Results indicate that young smokers have access to sets of beliefs about others' smoking views that may differ from those available to nonsmokers. Other results are reported. (RJM)

Reviews the literature on refusal and resistance skill (RRS) training. Evaluates RRS training across different target behaviors and outcomes and its efficacy in preventing tobacco use. Identifies factors that influence RRS training and discusses process variables. These include age and gender, media formats, and teacher-led versus peer-led…

Examined correlates and predictors of risk-taking behavior in a sample of 278 African American women to explore risk-taking related to HIV infection. Women in this sample engaged in risky behavior for HIV and other health risks, such as smoking and substance use, and risk was predicted by individual and peer-related factors. (SLD)

The Harlem Health Connection is a three-year project to develop and test smoking control interventions for African Americans, primarily those in Harlem (New York). Surveys of people from public housing, health care institutions, and churches found the highest smoking rates in public housing residents and people attending health care institutions.…

Examines school personnel smokers' reports on how they would feel if a no-smoking ban was instituted on school premises. Results show that the 59 respondents from 14 schools were interested in quitting smoking, but did not favor a policy prohibiting smoking on campus. Discusses smoking influences on students and other issues. (RJM)

Study looked to determine the strength of the relationship between smoking, depression, intention to smoke, and several psychosocial and environmental factors. Participants completed the Multiscore Depression Inventory (MDI) and items regarding smoking behavior. Analyses found that participants were more likely to smoke if parents smoked, if…

Explores the expectations of adolescents about their future cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use. Results found that adolescents had unrealistic beliefs about future substance use. Very few non-users believed they would initiate illicit-drug use whilst current users believed they would continue to use. Many young people were uncertain about…

Employees of four manufacturing plants who were at risk because of high blood pressure, obesity, or smoking were periodically contacted by wellness counselors. Over a three-year period, seven strategies for behavior change were used. High blood pressure clients were most likely to begin risk reduction actions. Frequency of followup showed positive…

Used unobtrusive methods to collect data on substance use from 320 Nigerian partygoers aged 14 through 25. Found that adolescents tended to use following drugs in decreasing order of frequency: alcohol, cigarettes. stimulants, cannabis, and sedative-hypnotics. Polydrug use, especially of alcohol, stimulants, and cigarettes, was common. (Author/NB)

Investigates a randomized trial of a self-help smoking cessation program for pregnant smokers at the Kent County Health Department in Grand Rapids, (Michigan). Results indicate larger quit rates amongst program participants than those in the usual care group. Suggests that smoking cessation programs for low-income pregnant WIC clients are…

Finds that, among 263 Hispanic and 150 non-Hispanic White smokers, Hispanics smoked fewer cigarettes, had lower levels of perceived addiction to nicotine, and had higher perceived self-efficacy to avoid smoking, but these differences shrank with greater acculturation. Discusses implications for smoking cessation programs. Contains 27 references.…

Argues that applied research has potential for making important theoretical contributions. Demonstrates the potential contribution of practical applications to theoretical development by discussing the procedures employed and difficulties encountered in developing and assessing Iowa's Program Against Smoking (I-PAS), an adolescent smoking…

Points out ways the tobacco industry markets products to youth, including paid advertisements, sponsorship of sporting events, music concerts, and magazines. Relates several focal points for smoking prevention, which include deglamorization of cigarette advertisements and making smoking socially undesirable. (LS)

Analyzed the influence of a comprehensive program of nurse home visitation on the intellectual functioning of children born to women who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy. Found that comprehensive home-visitation services before and after delivery can offset the impairment in intellectual functioning associated with substantial maternal smoking…

Presents Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines that summarize school-based strategies most likely to be effective in preventing tobacco use among youth. The guidelines recommend that all schools develop and enforce a policy, provide instruction on tobacco use consequences, provide prevention education, train teachers, involve families,…