Reports a national telephone survey that measured public support for seven proposals to restrict youth access to tobacco products. Nearly all respondents believed child and adolescent smoking was a serious problem. Most supported all proposed measures to restrict children's access to tobacco and to increase the cigarette excise tax. (Author/SM)

As part of a project aimed at developing an adolescent health education program, 100 subjects aged 12 through 13 and 16 through 17 were studied to determine the possible relationship between self-esteem, value of health, and positive health behavior. Both factors were found to be significantly correlated with certain dimensions of health behavior…

Examines and critiques research that measures the effects of school sexuality education programs on adolescent sexual risk-taking behavior. Discusses common methodological problems and examines studies measuring program effectiveness. Research suggests participation in school sexuality education does not promote increased or earlier sexual…

This article presents information on tobacco use initiation by middle-school students who were exposed to the Iowa Program against Smoking. From 1984 to 1989, students completed surveys on smoking status, attitudes and beliefs, and family and peer smoking. Results indicated that experimentation with tobacco was the single best predictor of regular…

Focus group interviews assessed African American teens' and adults' (ages 13 to 65-plus) perceptions and beliefs about exercise. Many subjects believed that African Americans performed physical labor at work and needed rest rather than exercise during free time. Many considered exercise a physical stressor and believed friends had the greatest…

A study compared serum total cholesterol and blood pressure levels of participants in a voluntary national health screening with NHANES II estimates of the general U.S. population. Findings suggest the levels may not have decreased appreciably over 10 years; and continued national, state, and local behavior modification efforts are warranted. (SM)

A university birth control education program was created to improve student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Students attended a birth control class before visiting the health clinic for prescriptions. Pre- and posttest questionnaires and clinician assessments indicated knowledge of birth control improved significantly, and students became…

The article reports a study that examined relationships between self-esteem, health promotion, nutrition, and weight among female college freshmen. Questionnaires completed by 57 female students indicated that high self-esteem positively related to the practice of healthy behaviors, good nutrition, and satisfaction with present weight. (SM)

Study analyzed the relationships among knowledge about AIDS, self-reported changes in sexual behavior, gender, and independent measures of behaviors in heterosexual college students. A survey provided only limited support for the hypothesis that students who are more knowledgeable about AIDS are more likely to adopt safer sexual practices. (SM)

Presents seven reasons why it is important for health specialist teams to take action supporting the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. The article offers guidelines to help parents assist their children in maintaining positive eating, exercise, and self-esteem patterns, noting sensitive intervention is preferable to imposed diets. (SM)

Survey of university undergraduates and nightclub patrons asked if they would engage in sex with unlimited sexual partners as frequently as desired if it would result in death by AIDS after 2-10 years. In all groups, there was a sizeable minority who did not respond definitely no to the question. (SM)

Presents activities to help adolescent and young-adult students become aware of the different types and possible benefits of social support and help them develop skills for obtaining social support. The process involves introducing them to different types of social support, discussing social support, creating social support webs, and having…

Presents a position statement designed to inform governments, non-governmental organizations, and education institutions about the significance and benefits of physical activity for all and establish a clear relationship between physical activity and leisure education. The statement includes specific recommendations for leisure education and…

This article offers a developmental perspective on college drinking by focusing on broad developmental themes during adolescence and the transition to young adulthood. Links between developmental transitions and alcohol use and other health risks are discussed in light of five conceptual models: Overload; Developmental Mismatch; Increased…

Examined racial and gender differences in attempted suicide among South Carolina public high school students. Data on quality of life, life satisfaction, and six risk-behavior categories from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that specific associations among risk behaviors, mediating variables, and self- reported attempted suicide varied…