Describe the development and properties of a scale measuring demonstrated condom use skill using a sample of 261 drug-using women. Analysis of scale scores revealed high levels of condom skill among the population. Preliminary analysis suggests that the Condom Skill Scale is a potentially valid and reliable instrument, and may have application as…

This article provides an overview of cholesterol education and cholesterol-modified eating patterns. Technical sections on chemistry, pathology, and drugs are included to provide an understanding of the terminology commonly used in this field. (JD)

An exploration of the current thinking about levels of fitness necessary to meet health fitness standards, with particular focus on aerobic capacity, discusses major health problems, the prevalence of heart disease, how health standards are set, and how health habits change as people age. (CB)

Chlamydia's role in female infertility is discussed. The relationship of this organism to other diseases such as leprosy and tuberculosis is explained. Conditions caused by Chlamydia such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) are described. (KR)

Demonstrates an application of a method for using growth curves to determine the timing of booster sessions to reinforce the cognitive messages or behavior changes of interventions. Uses data from a multisite randomized experiment that compared three counseling and testing methods for preventing sexual disease transmission. Presents…

While condoms are an effective defense against the transmission of HIV, large numbers of sex workers are not using them. We argue that some sex workers are willing to take the risk because clients are willing to pay more to avoid using condoms. Using data from Mexico, we estimate that sex workers received a 23 percent premium for unprotected sex.…

"Research on Schools, Neighborhoods, and Communities: Toward Civic Responsibility" focuses on research and theoretical developments related to the role of geography in education, human development, and health. William F. Tate IV, the Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in…

As in other Western countries in the Netherlands during the first half of the twentieth century, large numbers of school children were sent to holiday camps or "health colonies" to gain weight and recover strength. At first this large-scale hygienic enterprise was led by teachers, who wanted to "save" poor, undernourished…

Consistent condom use, particularly by promiscuous individuals, is a major safeguard against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. This study examines some demographic factors that may affect such use among Bangladeshi female commercial sex workers at a brothel in Tangail (n = 196; mean age = 23.44 years), and the streets of Dhaka (n…

To begin to understand the role that family relationships and interactions play in young gay men's decisions to avoid unsafe sexual practices, parents and sons (ages 16 to 25) in 30 families were qualitatively interviewed about issues and concerns related to HIV risk. Most of the youths reported feeling obliged to their parents to stay healthy,…

This article discusses the following common intestinal parasites: a) roundworm; b) pinworm; c) hookworm; d) threadworm; e) trichina worm; and f) whipworm. (JS)

GRADES OR AGES: Grade twlve. SUBJECT MATTER: The physical development and needs, as well as the psychological development and needs of the individual from infancy to old age. The health of the community is studied in terms of communicable diseases, immunology, resources available for the optimal health of any community (including health services…

Four physicians interested in the study and treatment of acute upper respiratory infections discuss upper respiratory infections and the athlete. (RC)

When an infestation of lice is identified, medical treatment is effective in clearing up the problem. (JD)

Described are health objectives for the nation as set forth in "Healthy People: The Surgeon General's Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention." The work and plans of the Task Force on Achieving the Health Objectives for the Nation in Higher Education of the American College Health Association are also discussed. (Author/MT)