This study explored the impact of socioeconomic status on 32,852 females' sedentary behavior. Survey data indicated the prevalence of sedentary behavior was 30% among white women and 45% among black women, decreasing for both groups as socioeconomic status increased; leisure time sedentary behavior increased with age. (SM)

Researchers used the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the prevalence of health risk behaviors of students attending an alternative high school (AHS) and students attending a regular high school (RHS). More AHS than RHS students engaged in health risk behaviors and initiated risk behaviors at younger ages. (SM)

Investigated middle and high school counselors' perceptions of adolescent health-compromising behaviors and motivations to intervene. Data from a survey based on protection motivation theory showed differences in counselors' perceptions of the severity of risk-taking behaviors. Perceptions were highly correlated with intentions to seek out…

Information from focus groups identified college males' health concerns, barriers to seeking help, and recommendations to help them adopt healthier lifestyles. Respondents were aware of their health needs, identifying both physical and emotional concerns, but rarely addressed them. Alcohol and substance abuse were the main concerns. Socialization…

Testicular cancer (TC) education is not widespread, though TC is the most common cancer in men ages 15-34 years. Teachers can positively influence young men by providing TC and testicular self-examination (TSE) education in school. The paper describes TC and TSE, discussing strategies for and barriers to implementation of TC/TSE instruction in the…

Investigates substance use patterns among 192 pregnant substance-using women to assess whether ethnic differences exist regarding drugs of choice, frequency and recency of use, and severity of use. Results reveal that substance use patterns differed across ethic groups. Findings suggest that prevention and intervention efforts have to be tailored…

Examined relationships between worksite influences and smoking and quitting behavior among adolescent grocery employees. Surveys on interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational factors indicated that regular smokers were 30 percent more likely to receive co-worker encouragement to quit than occasional and experimental smokers. Compared to…

Assessed six categories of college students' health risk behaviors. Student survey data indicated that respondents were engaging in risk behaviors that could impact educational achievement and lead to serious consequences. Youth tended to enter college with established patterns of risk. Most regularly consumed large amounts of alcohol. Differences…

Presents information on the extent of alcohol use and other drug use among college students. Alcohol rates are very high among college students, with use higher among males than females. White students are highest in heavy drinking, black students are lowest and Hispanics are intermediate. Results indicate colleges should do more to reduce heavy…

Examines college students' exercise adherence, illustrating the measurement and application of behavior change theories using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. Preliminary results from Project TEAM (Teaching Exercise/Activity Maintenance), a 3-year project at a large, midwestern university, indicated value in classifying participants…

A problem that has an impact on many segments of our society today can be traced to unwed adolescent girls giving birth. This article details the consequences such births have on our nation as a whole, and explores ways to prevent the pregnancies rather than merely offering up more coping solutions once teenage girls become pregnant. (BF)

The authors investigated the influence of several personality traits on exercise adherence and exercise self-efficacy for 168 undergraduate students. At all levels of exercise adherence, students with different personality traits had different amounts of exercise self-efficacy. Implications for college counselors working with students to improve…

The purpose of this study was: (1) to determine whether attitudes are a better predictor of adolescents' intentions to use dietary supplements than are subjective norms, and (2) to assess the influence of significant others on attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions among adolescent athletes. Results indicated that attitudes were a better…

Summarizes results from a study that used biennial school-based surveys to analyze the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual-risk behaviors among high school students in urban areas. Results indicated that from 1991 to 1997, the percentage of high school students engaging in HIV-related sexual-risk behaviors decreased in…

Investigated the attitudes and behaviors related to alcohol use of adolescent males with emotional disturbances. Results from focus group interviews highlighted four attitudes and behaviors: rationalization of their drinking, self-absorption (disregard for the feelings of others and the consequences of their actions), drinking with peers versus…