Showing papers in "Journal of American College Health in 1986"
TL;DR: Research examining collegiate problem drinking from 1975–1985 is reviewed and problem drinkers are characterized relative to nonproblem drinkers as impulsive, prone to deviant behavior, less oriented towards academic success, more independence-seeking, and more likely to drink for escapist (rather than sociability) reasons.
Abstract: Research examining collegiate problem drinking from 1975–1985 is reviewed. Eight topics are distinguished pertaining to the definition and correlates of problem drinking: consumption patterns; self-identification as a problem drinker; motivations; negative consequences; personality characteristics; family, peers, and environment; long-term consequences of problem alcohol use; and male-female differences in problem drinking. Reported prevalences of problem drinking range from a low of 6% to a high of 72%, with most studies suggesting that approximately 20–25% of students have drinking problems. This variability may be explained in large part by divergent conceptual and operational definitions of problem drinkers across studies. Problem drinkers are characterized relative to nonproblem drinkers as impulsive, prone to deviant behavior, less oriented towards academic success, more independence-seeking, and more likely to drink for escapist (rather than sociability) reasons. The influential role of co...
310 citations
TL;DR: The most commonly reported sleeping difficulty of this population of university first-year psychology students was frequent difficulty in falling asleep (18%), whereas only 9% of the sample had frequent difficulty staying asleep.
Abstract: A sample of 211 university first-year psychology students completed a 37-item questionnaire of sleep habits and difficulties. The most commonly reported sleeping difficulty of this population was frequent difficulty in falling asleep (18%), whereas only 9% of the sample had frequent difficulty staying asleep. There was a marked delay (over 90 minutes) in time of going to bed and waking up on weekends compared to weeknights. About 50% of the sample complained of insufficient sleep and estimated needing about half an hour more sleep on the average to feel rested. A subgroup of the sample (17%) fit the criteria for at least a mild form of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS). This delayed sleep pattern presumably arises from a delay in their endogenous biological rhythms that creates difficulty in falling asleep early enough to get sufficient sleep before necessary weekday morning awakening. Compared to the whole sample, the DSPS group less often reported sufficient sleep on weekdays and more often r...
156 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of the diagnoses that may be stress related revealed a greater proportion of those problems among international students than among domestic students.
Abstract: The authors reviewed 96,804 diagnoses from student visits to the University of Southern California Student Health Center during a three-year period. The diagnoses coded for international students were compared to those for domestic students. More than 50 disease entities were found to be significantly increased while 30 were significantly decreased in international students when compared to domestic students. Further analysis of the diagnoses that may be stress related revealed a greater proportion of those problems among international students.
40 citations
TL;DR: A new system for conceptualizing college students' problems that includes depression, anxiety, and interpersonal, academic, physical health, and substance-use problems, and a rationale and method for assessing each of these dimensions is proposed.
Abstract: The authors propose a new system for conceptualizing college students' problems. They see it as a more comprehensive and practical system than those based solely on DSM-III psychiatric diagnoses. The first component of this system consists of three broad types of crises, including situational and developmental crises, as well as crises reflecting psycho-pathology. The other component focuses on students' presenting problems, and includes depression, anxiety, and interpersonal, academic, physical health, and substance-use problems. The authors describe a rationale and method for assessing each of these dimensions. They present preliminary reliability and validity data for the newly developed Inventory of Common Problems, along with means and standard deviations for a large random sample of college students. The authors discuss advantages of this new system for college student counselors and researchers.
36 citations
TL;DR: A recommended protocol was devised which counselled colposcopic evaluation after two occurrences of dysplasia or a combination of Dysplasia and two occurrence of inflammatory atypia, and showed significant improvement in follow-up and referral rates after the protocol was in use by health service staff.
Abstract: A retrospective study of follow-up of abnormal Pap smears at the Southern Illinois University Health Service was performed between April 1980 and March 1981. Both follow-up failure and failure to refer repeated abnormal smears for gynecological evaluation were documented. A recommended protocol was devised which counselled colposcopic evaluation after two occurrences of dysplasia or a combination of dysplasia and two occurrences of inflammatory atypia. A second retrospective evaluation of smears done January 1982 to December 1983 showed significant improvement in follow-up and referral rates after the protocol was in use by health service staff. Remaining unresolved problems in the management of mildly abnormal cervical cytology are discussed.
25 citations
23 citations
TL;DR: On-campus mental health program can be an invaluable asset in assisting college staff in developing and implementing a systematic and legally acceptable set of procedures for dealing with disruptive behavior.
Abstract: The increased number of disruptive students attending colleges and universities has reached alarming proportions. In order to deal effectively and humanely with such students, schools must establish a systematic and legally acceptable set of procedures for dealing with disruptive behavior. An on-campus mental health program can be an invaluable asset in assisting college staff in developing and implementing such procedures.
20 citations
TL;DR: Differences among groups in performance on a knowledge inventory, in the perceived value of performing TSE regularly, in satisfaction with alternative learning formats, and in frequency of TSE six months after program completion are found.
Abstract: A total of 157 males enrolled in a health science course at a midwestern university were randomly assigned to one of three groups in which different formats were employed for teaching about testicular cancer and testicular self-examination (TSE). Using a posttest only comparison group design, we found differences among groups in performance on a knowledge inventory (p < .002), in the perceived value of performing TSE regularly (p < .02), in satisfaction with alternative learning formats (p < .05), and in frequency of TSE six months after program completion (p < .05). These results may assist health education personnel working in group settings to identify appropriate strategies for teaching about testicular cancer and TSE to males similar in age to those considered in this study.
17 citations
TL;DR: Students with a family history of CVD were somewhat more likely to be smokers, reported higher total number of smoker parents, were less likely to exercise, reported similar health education efforts, and were lesslikely to have had a blood cholesterol test.
Abstract: The authors compared the cardiovascular health knowledge (CVHK), perceptions regarding potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and health behavior of 69 freshmen with a family history of CVD and 154 freshmen without this history. The self-reported weights of students with a CVD family history were higher than those of their counterparts (p < 0.02 for males and p < 0.05 for females). Only a small number of students who felt that they were overweight actually had a ponderal index at or above the 75th percentile. Compared to those without a family CVD history, students with this history were somewhat more likely to be smokers, reported higher total number of smoker parents (p < 0.05), were less likely to exercise, reported similar health education efforts, and were less likely to have had a blood cholesterol test. Parents' education and income did not appear to influence students' health behaviors and perceptions. The students' understanding of CVHK in general and that of CV patho-physi...
17 citations
Journal Article•
15 citations
TL;DR: If students attending a university health fair experienced greater reductions in health risk behavior compared with those not attending the fair, this study found that participation, enjoyment, and self-reported changes in health knowledge and habits increased.
Abstract: Health fairs, carnivals, and exhibitions are health promotion strategies that have been frequently discussed in recent health-related literature. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if students attending a university health fair experienced greater reductions in health risk behavior compared with those not attending the fair. A second purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of specific activities within the health fair, using measures of participation, enjoyment, and self-reported changes in health knowledge and habits. Three hundred and four students participated in this study. They included those who 1) attended the health fair and had filled out a health risk appraisal, 2) attended the health fair only, and 3) students from a general psychology course, who served as controls. Six weeks after the conclusion of a two-day campus health fair, subjects were asked to complete a Health Fair Evaluation Questionnaire, a Wellness Check-Health Risk Appraisal, or both instruments. ...
TL;DR: Most of the chlamydia positive women were not contacts of a man with a recent diagnosis of nongonococcal urethritis, and no cases of gonorrhea were discovered among the women screened.
Abstract: The most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States today is due to Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is more common than gonorrhea and causes a broad range of clinical manifestations, some of which are quite serious. Sixty-five women were screened for cervical chlamydia in a college health service. Five (8%) were positive for this infection. The infected women did not differ markedly from noninfected women in age or number of sexual partners. The presence of cervicitis was suggestive of chlamydia infection but not specific for it. Most of the chlamydia positive women were not contacts of a man with a recent diagnosis of nongonococcal urethritis. No cases of gonorrhea were discovered among the women screened.
TL;DR: An evaluation of a multidimensional stress management model for use as a preventive program for college students as presented in a course format found significant differences in four of the nine areas.
Abstract: This study discusses a multidimensional stress management model for use as a preventive program for college students. The author describes a general model of stress management with three major parts (physical, cognitive, and lifestyle), and he reports on an evaluation of this model as presented in a course format. This evaluation included the use of a similar class as a control group with an ANOVA comparison of gain scores on nine different stress management behaviors. This paper also includes a general description of the treatment including the course curriculum and teaching methods. Significant differences were found in four of the nine areas: regular relaxation, situational relaxation, aerobic exercise, and positive self-statements. The author explains and analyzes these results and discusses short versus long term gains and anecdotal information from student evaluations. The paper presents suggestions for further research.
TL;DR: In this paper, five basic requirements for competence for counseling college students: a bias for optimism; knowledge of key concepts; an investigative method; a perspective for college health nurses; and continuing education for nurse counselors.
Abstract: It is commonly noted that persons with a need for professional counseling often choose indirect means of seeking such help. College students may present to the college health nurse with vague physical symptoms. Nurses have generally recognized competence in counseling due to their professional preparation. Beyond this, there are five basic requirements for competence for counseling college students: a bias for optimism; knowledge of key concepts; an investigative method; a perspective for college health nurses; and continuing education for nurse counselors. A need for counseling is a clinical judgment made by the nurse, and his/her response will be immediate situational counseling, continuing counseling sessions, or referral. Types of counseling situations that the nursing professional may encounter are outlined, including four escapes utilized by students, such as substance abuse, suicide, fear of AIDS, and anorexia/bulimia. Since students do utilize health services, the nurse counselor with a h...
TL;DR: With an eye to preventing disabilities or to avoiding recurrences in susceptible persons, a close working relationship is needed between physician-specialists and the professional music teacher.
Abstract: Musicians are prone to a series of disorders directly related to their instruments and to their lifestyles. In response to the recognition of these disabilities, specialty care seems indicated and can be provided either by multidisciplinary clinics for performers or in the context of university health services if such informed specialists are available. With an eye to preventing disabilities or to avoiding recurrences in susceptible persons, a close working relationship is needed between physician-specialists and the professional music teacher.
TL;DR: In this article, an Interactive Computer Network for Campus Health Promotion (HealthNet) is described. But the authors do not specify how to use the network for health promotion in the real world.
Abstract: (1986). Health-Net: An Interactive Computer Network for Campus Health Promotion. Journal of American College Health: Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 284-285.
TL;DR: In this article, mental health confidentiality on the small campus is discussed. But the authors focus on the confidentiality of mental health on small campus and do not discuss other aspects of the campus environment.
Abstract: (1986). Mental Health Confidentiality on the Small Campus. Journal of American College Health: Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 187-191.
TL;DR: In this article, a model alcohol program for the College Health Service is described. But the model is not suitable for the treatment of mental health disorders. And it is ineffective in many cases.
Abstract: (1986). A Model Alcohol Program for the College Health Service. Journal of American College Health: Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 229-233.
TL;DR: Common presenting themes of gay patients and clients who rarely come for help to change their preference are reviewed and the effects of homophobia on staff practices and attitudes are reviewed in the context of learned negative stereotyping in the larger culture.
Abstract: On every campus, there may be many gay students, faculty, and staff who might benefit from medical and mental health services sensitively developed as an integral part of the range of health services provided to the total campus. It is crucial to develop a cadre of providers from different disciplines who have a knowledge of gay lifestyles, developmental issues, and societal pressures. Staff must develop or heighten sometimes painful self-awareness engendered by empathic identification with a stigmatized minority. They must also conceptualize homosexuality as a relationship preference or lifestyle choice and appreciate the importance of same-sex attachments in normal development. This paper reviews common presenting themes of gay patients and clients who rarely come for help to change their preference. The effects of homophobia on staff practices and attitudes are reviewed in the context of learned negative stereotyping in the larger culture. Heterophobic expectations of potential gay consumers a...
TL;DR: Almost half of the SHS group and 33% of the athletes group had sexual concerns, and, of these, 55% and 40% respectively wanted help with their problems.
Abstract: The responses of 582 male university students attending the UCLA Student Health Service for medical evaluation are presented. Of these students, 37% (215) were freshmen and varsity athletes having pretraining physicals, and 63% (367) were students being evaluated in the SHS primary care clinics. A self-report questionnaire examined the frequency of sexual problems experienced by the respondents and their partners. The most common concerns expressed about themselves were orgasmic difficulties, feeling too interested in sex, and trouble getting and keeping erections. Forty-one percent of the SHS group and 33% of the athletes group had sexual concerns, and, of these, 55% and 40% respectively wanted help with their problems. Specific counseling needs of students were also evaluated.
TL;DR: A test has been developed to detect an antibody to the HTLV-III virus, which has risen from 0–1% in 1978 to as high as 87% in recent studies of all the high risk groups.
Abstract: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) impairs the functioning of the immune system. A person with AIDS is vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that normally do not affect healthy people. T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-III) has been identified as the probable cause of AIDS. A test has been developed to detect an antibody to the HTLV-III virus. The rate of exposure to the virus, as measured by this test, has risen from 0–1% in 1978 to as high as 87% in recent studies of all the high risk groups. Four to nineteen percent of persons that have the antibody to the HTLV-III virus have developed AIDS during follow-up periods of one to five years. There is no cure. The Centers for Disease Control predicts that over 8,000 new cases will be reported in 1985. AIDS is no longer confined to major metropolitan areas. Efforts to control the spread must focus on preventing the transmission of the virus. Transmission through sexual contact is a primary method. Gay and bisexual men are a...
TL;DR: The health objectives for the nation as set forth in Healthy People: The Surgeon General's Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention are described.
Abstract: In 1985, the American College Health Association (ACHA) formed the Task Force on Achieving the Health Objectives for the Nation in Higher Education to address the national health objectives for students in colleges and universities. This document describes the health objectives for the nation as set forth in Healthy People: The Surgeon General's Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. It also reports on the work and future plans of the Task Force. Currently, college and university populations have no way to monitor their progress toward meeting the national health objectives nor have they a coordinated approach to assessing the health risks of students. A database of all college and university health programming is proposed to track activities that meet the health objectives for the nation in higher education. Involvement of the college and university health sector in setting and refining the national health objectives for the year 2000 is planned. The participation and cooperation of ...