Relations among academic achievement, school bonding, school misbehavior, and cigarette use from eighth to twelfth grade were examined in two national and panel samples of youth from the Monitoring the Future project (N=3,056). A series of competing conceptual models developed a priori was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The…

Focusing entirely on tobacco use, this book offers parents a powerful program for preventing or ending their children's tobacco addiction. The book provides practical strategies and suggestions to show parents how to help their children to make wise health choices and prepare them to meet their physical, social, and emotional needs without…

A study was conducted to analyze high school students' self-reports and to determine biomedical cardiovascular disease risk factors in an adolescent population. Factors evaluated included smoking frequency, dietary fat intake, saturated fat intake, and cholesterol/high density lipoprotein ratio. (JN)

Risks are greater for infants born to mothers who drink, smoke, use drugs, have poor nutrition, lack adequate prenatal care, or who are in adolescence. Parenting education and promoting healthy lifestyles among expectant parents is an essential component of education for responsible sexuality. (JN)

This study examined cardiovascular risk factors in Black first-year college students (N=238). Students completed surveys about blood pressure, cholesterol level, smoking, and physical activity. Results found low rates of high blood pressure, low awareness of cholesterol levels, and low numbers of students who smoked. Females had lower physical…

Stores (n=120) in Chicago (Illinois) were targeted for enforcement of prohibitions on selling cigarettes to minors. Enforcement schedules of 2, 4, and 6 months were effective in reducing illegal sales, from 86% to 19%, 87% to 34%, and 87% to 42%, respectively, indicating the effectiveness of regular enforcement of civil penalties for tobacco sales…

A survey of 57 dental school continuing education programs found few previously or currently offering instruction in tobacco use cessation counseling. Respondents saw little interest in the topic among their target audiences. Reasons for the situation and barriers to practitioner involvement are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The classroom-based Know Your Body program focuses on diet, physical activity, and smoking prevention in elementary schools. Longitudinal testing in two New York City schools found significant favorable changes in blood cholesterol, dietary intake of fat and carbohydrates, health knowledge, and reduction in the initiation of smoking. (SK)

Examined the relationship between parent participation in a school-based drug and alcohol abuse prevention program for adolescents and adolescent drug use. Results of an 18-month follow-up survey found that parent participation in the program was negatively associated with adolescent use of alcohol and cigarettes. (MDM)

This study examined stages of drug habit acquisition and change among college students, basing the proposed stages of drug use on the Multi-Component Motivational Stages prevention model. Surveys indicated the model helped explain the stages of substance use. The proportion of youths at each stage differed by type of drug. (SM)

Reports a study that examined acculturation and its association with smoking and other correlates of smoking for Latino seventh graders. Students completed surveys on demographics, smoking prevalence, parent attitudes, and acculturation. Results indicated that as young Latinos became more acculturated, psychosocial influences on smoking changed…

Describes the "Unpuffables Program" in which two states tested receptivity to and feasibility of a smoking prevention activity package for fourth through sixth graders and parents. High awareness and participation rates were seen, and "Unpuffables" provided an opportunity to discuss smoking at home, motivating smokers to…

Parental reports of adolescent substance use (from 758 mothers and 420 fathers) were compared to the self-reports of 763 adolescents (390 females and 373 males) using identical scales. Congruence--defined as exact agreement about use--varied between substances and was related to the ages and grade point averages of the adolescents. (SLD)

Data from a 1992 statewide survey of students in grades 5-12 were analyzed to determine the extent to which cigarette smoking predicted alcohol and other drug use and acted as a gateway drug. Results indicated smoking was a powerful predictor for alcohol and drug use, and the relationship was dose responsive. (SM)

Explores sources of drugs and weapons for a group of pre-adolescents living in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Chicago using a focus group and a self-administered survey. At least one-third of the sample of fifth-grade students responded that it was easy for people their age to obtain each of the products. Neighborhood sources were the most likely…