Sixth graders in primary prevention groups were taught various skills--interpersonal, decision making, problem solving and self-instructional--and facts about tobacco smoking to help them avoid cigarette smoking. Follow-up data showed that students trained this way smoked far less than those in a control group a year later. (Author/PP)

A study examined reading, demographic, social, and psychological factors related to preadolescent smoking and nonsmoking behaviors and attitudes. Variables studied included reading achievement, family involvement, and racial and sex differences. (Authors/CJ)

Fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=600) were assessed regarding smoking activity, parents' smoking, four dimensions of self-esteem, and attitudes toward school. Multivariate analyses showed students were more likely to begin smoking if they had parents who smoked, had low self-esteem, and disliked school and feared failure. (Author)

Due to the trend toward more smoking among the young and to the effect of smoking on human health and life, educators need to devise effective antismoking programs as part of the secondary curriculum. The real problem lies in educating youths prior to the age at which the decision to smoke is made. (JN)

Data from a sample of Blacks aged 11 to 16 indicated drinkers were more likely to report health problems. The correlation between drinking and poor health was most noted among young males and older females. Drinkers reported more sleep disturbances. Tobacco use was a predictor of drinking and pregnancy. (Author)

A comprehensive health education program stressing the development of sound health habits should be offered to all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Such programs could help to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease by educating students of current practices that add to the risk of disease. (CJ)

Studied whether smokers and nonsmokers hold systematically different attitudes on tobacco smoking. Smoking-related Likert type attitude items were selected for analysis from a longer questionnaire. Results indicated both smoking and nonsmoking college students expressed highly similar unfavorable attitudes toward smoking but nonsmokers expressed…

Examined the eidetic imagery, verbalization, and social interaction related to adolescents' smoking behavior in a high school environment. Interventions aimed at helping adults stop smoking were considered applicable to teenagers. (Author/DB)

A study investigated the decision-making process regarding the cigarette smoking of students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11. Results indicate that greater emphasis needs to be placed on the social factors of the decision-making process in school health education programs and that the emphasis on social concerns should increase with grade level. (JN)

The responses of the research community to the apparent need for more effective health education for children is examined. This survey was confined to the area of cardiovascular health education. Three risk factor areas are reported: smoking, improper nutrition, and lack of physical fitness. (Author/GK)

Reports data from a psychosocial study of drug behavior among secondary school students in Puerto Rico. Concludes that although Puerto Rico and the U.S. differ in culture and lifestyle, both cultures provide similar sociocultural inducements for adolescent drug use. (Author/GC)

Considerable erosion of gains have often been found during follow-up periods for behavioral treatment programs directed towards adult smokers. Focusing more attention on preventing smoking among youngsters currently not smoking or reducing smoking among those just beginning the habit might produce more favorable results. (Author)

The results of this study indicate that tobacco smoking may have a deleterious effect on the learning process. Those Ss who smoked in excess of 12 cigarettes per day did significantly less well, as a group, than nonsmokers and light smokers on three of the four learning tests. (Editor)

Survey of 1,672 Mexican American students in grades 6-12 in a southern California school district found that smoking and smokeless tobacco use were greater among males than females and increased substantially across grades. Nonmigrant youths and those identifying with traditional Mexican American culture were more likely to consider regular…

This study analyzed the association between physical activity level and cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana use among public high school students. Youth Risk Behavior Survey data showed significant associations among white males for use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana. Higher physical activity levels were inversely…