Two studies assessed the effectiveness of a health education curriculum geared toward teaching resistance to pressure to smoke. One study investigated pupil ability to identify persuasion and resistance skills portrayed in videotaped recordings. The other study examined the effectiveness of videotapes as a teacher training device. (CJ)

A study of teachers in rural eastern Kentucky compared the attitudes of smokers and nonsmokers toward: (1) the impact of smoking on health; (2) adequacy of smoking education and school regulations; and (3) usefulness of sources of information about the risks of smoking. Teachers who smoked viewed smoking as less hazardous than did nonsmokers. (PP)

Two approaches to smoking prevention directed at adolescents were tested as a possible supplement to the seventh-grade health curriculum. A peer-led approach focused on the social influences which encourage smoking and on the immediate consequences of smoking. The second approach focused on the long-term health risks of smoking. Both approaches…

Results indicate that the described program is an effective learning device for altering negative health behavior patterns and for reinforcing positive health care activities. (LH)

This study evaluated the impact of a required college health and physical education course on selected health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of alumni. Mailed surveys of alumni from two colleges (one with a required course and one with no required course) indicated that the course had a positive effect on health knowledge, attitudes, and…

This study surveyed Australian adolescents about smoking cessation behavior, analyzing previous quitting experience and intentions to quit. Previous quitters and those who intended to quit were significantly more likely to consider cessation assistance options acceptable than nonquitters and nonintenders. Saving money was an important variable in…

This article describes Generation X young adults as they are described by the popular press and in health education literature, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics and risks, learning characteristics, the conflict between Generation X and baby boomers, and ways to conduct more effective health education for them.…

Study examined effectiveness of a substance abuse prevention program in preventing tobacco and alcohol use among elementary school students in grades 3 through 6. Program teaches social resistance skills and general personal and social competence skills. Findings indicate a school-based substance abuse prevention approach previously found to be…

Research has shown that adolescent tobacco users are much more likely to progress to illicit drugs than are nonusers. This article suggests potential psychosocial reasons for progression based on principles of learning theory, Theory of Reasoned Action, Health Belief Model, and Cognitive Dissonance. Also discusses neuropharmacologic components to…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated "Programs-That-Work" (PTW) in 1992 to identify health education programs with credible evidence of effectiveness and disseminate them to schools and youth agencies. Two tobacco use reduction programs and eight sexual risk behavior reduction programs were identified. This paper…

Eighty-nine high school seniors completed a questionnaire on their feelings and activities, including their use of drugs. Adolescents with a low grade point average, high popularity, and high depression were more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and smoke marijuana than were their peers. Cigarette and alcohol use predicted marijuana use,…

A survey of dental schools (n=49) and dental hygiene programs (n=169) suggests students receive little tobacco cessation education, and respondent schools had no immediate plans for curriculum change in this area, despite reporting positive attitudes about the institutional role in tobacco use cessation interventions. (Author/MSE)

A survey of about 500 dental hygienists concerning their clinical practice behaviors, attitudes, and perceived curriculum adequacy relating to anti-tobacco efforts suggested a fairly well-developed role for this group, with positive curriculum modifications appearing over time. (Author/MSE)

Presents two viewpoints on the economics of the tobacco industry and cigarette smoking. The industry has been rated as outstanding in economic performance by the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, the debilitating effects of smoking have imposed costs on society in terms of lives and money. Questions whether decisions about smoking should be…

Medical students (N=341) completed questionnaire on drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, and involvement in sensation-seeking sports and activities. Results indicated minimal tobacco use, moderately low drug use, and extensive alcohol use. Increased alcohol use was strongly correlated with heavy drinking patterns in parents and male students while…