Explains the basic constructs of the transtheoretical model, which offers an explanation of the structure of change that occurs when adults attempt to change behavior. The paper discusses application of strategies that physical educators in postsecondary and community settings may employ to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of physical…

Data from the Monitoring the Future Project, a longitudinal national survey of 26,504 high school seniors with an 83% response rate were used to examine short-term health effects of cigarette smoking. The adverse respiratory and other effects of smoking increased with both the amount and duration of smoking and may indicate underlying mental…

Surveys of heterosexual college students assessed gender differences in barriers to condom use. Data analysis revealed similar barrier factor structures, though the barriers explained more of the variance in condom use among women than men. Low perceived need was the best predictor of category of condom use for both sexes. (SM)

Presents an update on the Year 2000 objectives for the nation that establish targets in 22 priority areas. The article offers information from a study on exercise by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, reviews Healthy People 2000 data, and lists Year 2000 physical activity and fitness objectives. (SM)

Study compared the exercise attitudes and habits of alumni from four colleges with varying physical education activity (PEA) requirements. Survey results indicated the type of PEA programs offered influenced alumni attitudes toward fitness and exercise behaviors. Students from colleges with higher PEA requirements had more positive exercise…

Smoking among young women is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Gender-specific influences on smoking, quitting, and attempting to quit were hypothesized and surveyed. More women than men currently smoke, but quitting attempts are equally common. Programs addressing issues of concern to young women smokers are needed. (AF)

Discusses application of the Health Belief Model to the prevention of bulimia, describing each model component. The article considers the individual's beliefs about bulimia and bulimic-like behaviors as a means of predicting the likelihood of behavior change to prevent clinically diagnosable bulimia. (SM)

Reviews instruments used in conjunction with comprehensive programs to study children's dietary knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The instruments take about 20-45 minutes to complete and are easy for teachers or staff to administer and score, so respondent and staff burden are low compared to use of dietary methodologies. (SM)

Measures of preference are useful predictors of children's food consumption patterns. The paper discusses children's affective response to food and describes the preference assessment procedure which obtains information on children's likes and dislikes. The methodology helps investigate factors influencing development of preferences and food…

A study of 171 college students investigated dishonesty in dating and attitudes, behaviors, and sexual practices as related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Results indicated more men were unfaithful to or lied to their partners, and more women inquired about past sexual histories prior to sexual…

Determined the prevalence of health-risk behaviors among Texas high school students attending dropout prevention/recovery alternative schools. Student surveys indicated that a substantial number participated in behaviors that placed them at acute or chronic health risk. There were differences in prevalence of risk behaviors by gender,…

Examined demographic characteristics of high school tobacco-users across gender and ethnicity using data from the 1991-1995 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Current smoking increased, with one-third of 9th and 12th graders currently smoking in 1995 and 11% of all students using smokeless tobacco. Many students used tobacco before high school. Tobacco…

Examined the relationship between physical activity and other health-related behaviors of U.S. college students. Data from the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey indicated that cigarette smoking, inconsistent seatbelt use, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly related to low levels of physical activity after…

The recent proliferation of tattooing has prompted increased concern for safety and awareness of hazardous conditions. Transmission of infectious diseases can occur when proper sterilization and safety procedures are not followed. Adolescents are a critical high-risk group that need the attention of school health personnel to help them become…

Analyzed the effect of several health behaviors and health-related variables on college freshmen's grade point averages (GPAs). Survey data indicated that sleep habits, particularly wake-up time, accounted for the most variance in GPAs. Higher GPAs related to strength training and study of spiritually oriented material. Lower GPAs related to…