Examines family-based variables as predictors of adolescent substance use. Overall, this study supported prior research, indicating certain family variables as predictors of adolescent substance use. Sibling marijuana use, family involvement, and religious affiliation were predictors of adolescent tobacco use. Family involvement, sibling tobacco…

Reports a study that examined social factors which might predict adolescent smoking transition from nonsmoking or experimental to more advanced stages. Data from teens who participated in the Teenage Attitudes and Practices Survey indicated that best friends' smoking status was the only factor that consistently predicted adolescent smoking…

Examines college students' (N=1330) smoking behavior as well as their current smoking status and its effects on perceived levels of stress and coping styles. Results show that current smokers' scores on perceived stress were higher than that of the students who had never smoked. Other results are reported. (RJM)

Examined organizational and professional correlates of the integration of the ecological approach in Canadian public health organizations' youth tobacco control programs. Surveys of 110 tobacco control programs in 90 organizations indicated that organizational environment and staff preparation played a critical role in adoption of the ecological…

Presents guidance to help school nurses achieve three goals: describe the scope of the problems related to teen smoking, discuss the characteristics of teens most likely to begin smoking, and identify strategies that parents and nurses can use to discourage teen smoking. A sidebar includes a 10-question quiz on adolescent tobacco use as well as an…

Studied the reliability and convergent validity for 27 composite scales and 2 items covering aspects of alcohol use, smoking, marijuana use, and other drug use. Results indicate 23 of the 27 composite scales had at least acceptable reliability and the remaining 4 scales had at least marginally acceptable reliability. At least moderate construct…

Recognition of radio and television antismoking messages was measured in 6 treatment and 4 control cities. A survey of 574 adolescents found high recognition of messages even in areas where they were not broadcast, reinforcing the need for true control groups and distinctive messages to ensure validity in mass media evaluation. (SK)

By working with labor unions, health educators have the opportunity to reach worker groups that have been ignored by many worksite health promotion programs. A union-based smoking cessation program is described, and general guidelines for worksite health promotion are given. (IAH)

Findings from a survey of 1,830 New York state high school seniors include: smokeless tobacco use (STU) is predominately a rural male behavior; STU declines over timee; cigarette smoking begins before STU; peer influence and taste are cited most often as leading to STU. (IAH)

Argues that the tobacco industry deliberately uses advertising to influence young people to experiment with tobacco. Advertisements in sports, entertainment and sex-oriented magazines, outdoor advertising, and promotions in youth-oriented movies are all intended to influence young people. Lists actions individuals can take to reduce the influence…

Reviews and analyzes findings indicating that exposure to involuntary smoking is detrimental to the health of children, discusses measures taken to decrease their exposure, and explores additional interventions that might be considered. Lessons learned from reductions in active smoking in public places are emphasized, and suggestions are made…

Questioned 573 elementary students about alcohol/tobacco. Most said they would ask parents questions about alcohol and tobacco. Students were aware of reasons people used alcohol or tobacco but did not know harm involved in taking drugs. If offered beer or cigarettes, most said they would refuse. Noticeable increase in number who would accept…

A survey of 1,368 Pennsylvania college students found that a total of 23.9 percent used tobacco products (14 percent cigarettes and 10 percent smokeless tobacco). Data support the need for prevention and intervention programs beginning at the elementary level and continuing through college. (SM)

Examined health behaviors in college students (n=20,721) collected over a 10-year period. Found gender differences and a negative relationship between alcohol and cigarette use. Found drinking was a frequent behavior among college students and more common among men than women. Cigarette smoking was more commonly reported by women than by men. (ABL)

Tested model relating work-family conflict to heavy alcohol use and cigarette use among employed mothers via domain-specific (job- and family-related) and general negative effect. Data from 366 employed mothers of adolescents revealed that work-family conflict was indirectly related to both heavy alcohol use and cigarette use via negative effect.…