Studying the prevalence of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among American Indians and Alaskan Native populations reveals a low 1990 case rate but a rapid increase in diagnosed cases, at a rate higher than any other racial/ethnic group. Culturally sensitive prevention programs are required. (SLD)

Lung cancer is a serious health problem among blacks, with a mortality rate of 119 per 100,000 black males, compared to 81 per 100,000 for white males. Smoking cessation efforts are most successful when tailored to the black community, using black community networks and broadcast media for black audiences. (SLD)

With America's eroding social support, transitioning from childhood to adulthood is difficult. Adolescents need help in forming healthy lifestyles to positively affect their futures. The article recommends a developmental approach to providing life skills training, explaining the necessary conjunction of life sciences curricula, life skills…

Discusses the alarming spread of AIDS among teenagers, virtually ignored until recently. Discusses reasons why adolescents are at high risk, including misinformation and denial about who can contract the AIDS virus. Addresses the recent controversy over AIDS education and condom distribution in the public schools and suggests ways to better reach…

Apartheid policies adversely affected the health and social status of South African children. South Africa adopted the conceptual framework of the health promoting schools network (HPSN) to address school health comprehensively. The HPSN emphasizes school environment, community involvement, policy development, and appropriate health and social…

Outlines steps used in implementing Project ASSIST [Aiding School Systems in Establishing SAP (Student Assistance Programs) Training], a culturally sensitive, school-based, peer helping program for Native-American youth that addressed substance abuse. Data from a needs assessment and program evaluation indicated that more successful schools had…

Describes a classroom-based social decision-making intervention to promote health and prevent problem behaviors. The approach unites social-cognitive, affective, behavioral, and social relationship areas with critical thinking skills important for academic achievement. Because middle school students are high risk for negative health outcomes, they…

This study examined the nature of mothers' beliefs about children's health, the manner in which these beliefs influence maternal affect and teaching tactics during health socialization, and the effects of these parenting strategies on children's healthy and safe behavior. Findings suggest that mothers' socialization of children's health may be…

American children are gaining weight at an alarming rate. Since the 1960s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of American six- to eleven-year-olds who fall into the CDC's highest weight classification for children has almost quadrupled. Requiring more physical education (PE) seems like a logical…

The need to promote healthy active ageing in order to offset the impact of an ageing population on national resources and ensure a high quality of life in older age is well recognized. In 2001, the English Department of Health established a national pre-retirement health initiative involving the development of eight pilot projects. A national…

Although the percentage of overall AIDS diagnoses remains low among Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) in the United States compared with other racial/ethnic groups, research on API risk behaviors and health status suggest that the low number of AIDS cases may not provide a full picture of the epidemic and issues faced by this understudied and…

Young adults are at risk for Hepatitis B infection. Little is known about their attitudes and beliefs concerning Hepatitis B, which are determinants of getting immunized. This investigation examined risk perceptions and behavioral intentions concerning Hepatitis B among a convenience sample of 1070 young adults, 18-24 years old who participated in…

The Urban Nutrition Initiative (UNI) is a University of Pennsylvania/West Philadelphia schools academically-based community service program that integrates academics, research, and service through service-learning and participatory action research. UNI is based academically within Penn's Department of Anthropology and administratively within the…

Historically, religion and spirituality have been major influences in the social, cultural, and political lives of African Americans. Spirituality is deeply embedded into their rich cultural heritage, and it is intertwined into all aspects of their life, including beliefs about health and illness. For African Americans, health and illness are a…

This article discusses the findings of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that were conducted as a formative assessment for Project MYTRI (Mobilizing Youth for Tobacco Related Initiatives in India), a randomized, multicomponent, school-based trial to prevent and control tobacco use among youth in India. Forty-eight FGDs were conducted with students (N…