Showing papers in "Journal of School Health in 1990"

School-based cardiovascular health promotion: the child and adolescent trial for cardiovascular health (CATCH).

Abstract: The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) is a multisite intervention research study that builds on significant progress made in school health education research in the 1980s. The study has three phases: Phase I deals with study design, intervention, and measurement development, Phase II involves the main trial in 96 school'; in four states, and Phase III focuses on analysis. The intervention program targets third-fifth grade students and focuses on multiple cardiovascular health behaviors, including eating habits, physical activity, and cigarette smoking. Classroom curricula, school environmental change, and family involvement programs are developed for each grade level and behavioral focus. This paper describes Phase II of CATCH with a rationale for cardiovascular health promotion with youth. The process of change that appears to be necessary for school-based health promotion and that will be tested in CATCH are presented as a framework to guide these efforts.

Evaluating the Statewide Dissemination of Smoking Prevention Curricula:factors in Teacher Compliance

Abstract: As part of a larger study to evaluate the impact of a state-levied tax increase on tobacco products and the allocation of funds for smoking education, 81 schools were assigned randomly to one of four recommended smoking prevention programs for adolescents The four programs differed in amount of program structure and extent of teacher training required A one-session observation was made of 106 teachers in the 81 schools to assess the percentage of time allocated to recommended activities — those based on the social influences model Data suggest an explicit curriculum with designed activities and face-to-face teacher training results in greater compliance to prescribed program components (J Sch Health 1990;60(10):501–504)

A process evaluation of the District of Columbia "Know Your Body" project.

Abstract: A process evaluation was conducted of the effectiveness of the “Know Your Body” curriculum in reducing coronary heart disease risk factors among black elementary and junior high school students. The evaluation, part of a five-year longitudinal study, linked effectiveness of teachers' implementation with student outcomes and identified program weaknesses during implementation. Teachers with higher effectiveness scores had significantly more favorable student outcomes in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, HDL/cholesterol ratio, serum thiocyanate, and fitness. Of 82 teachers, 38 (46%) had scores reflecting effective teaching. Lack of time and commitment and inadequate use of the behavioral teaching approach demanded by the curriculum contributed most to implementation failure. Teachers as insufficient role models emerged as an important factor. Future research needs appropriate reinforcement of teacher participation and measurement of the en vironmental factors and personal teacher characteristics that may affect program implementation. School health education programs need an intensive training component that will enable teachers to adopt behavioral teaching approaches, promote teacher's examination and change of their personal risk factors, and stress the classroom dynamic of teachers as role models.

Urban black and white adolescents' physical fitness status and perceptions of exercise.

Abstract: The modified Harvard Step Test and a 70-item questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) were given to 257 high school students, 154 blacks, and 93 whites. Mean age of students was 16.0 years (SD = 1.1) for whites and 15.8 years (SD = 1.1) for blacks. Though more blacks than whites were in poor physical condition (51% females and 27% males vs. 35% females and 16% males, respectively), the difference was not statistically significant. A high level of concurrence existed between individuals in good physical condition and those who stated they regularly exercised, but this agreement was more pronounced among white students (73% vs. 62% for black students). White students were significantly more knowledgeable than black students on the exercise knowledge subscale. No significant differences existed between black and white students on any other HBM subscales. When subscale scores for those in good versus poor physical condition were compared, significant differences were found on all subscales except the perceived benefits subscale. Analysis of individual questionnaire items which best predicted whether one was in poor or good physical condition found four items accounted for 38% of variance in black students, and seven items accounted for 52% of variance in white students.

Self-efficacy and AIDS prevention for pregnant teens.

Abstract: AIDS education, the only immediate solution to containment of AIDS, encourages active risk reduction among high-risk populations. Self-efficacy is a construct that can measure the likelihood preventive behaviors will be performed, and thus could be applied to identify specific areas where AIDS education should be augmented. In this study, pregnant, mostly black, teens (N = 58) attending an alternative school in a large, midwestern city completed a self-efficacy scale to identify self-perceived areas of vulnerability to participating in preventive behaviors and avoiding high-risk behaviors concerning AIDS. The AIDS Self-efficacy Scale identified four areas of greatest vulnerability: using condoms, discussing previous homosexual activity, discussing previous bisexual activity, and telling a partner about an experience with a bisexual. The last three situations result from an inability to discuss a partner's past sexual history, indicating a need to be very specific in these areas. School health interventions should recognize and deal with issues sexually active teens have identified as most difficult, particularly specific aspects of sexual histories, and provide these adolescents with prevention skills necessary to reduce high-risk behaviors.

Differences in AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes by Grade Level

Abstract: Grade-related similarities and differences in AIDS knowledge and attitudes were assessed in 441 5th 7th and 10th graders from 1 school district in Rhode Island. 49% of the students were male and 96% were white. The findings revealed all students were most knowledgeable (>80% correct) on items reflecting whether one could contract AIDS through touching sharing needles and sexual intercourse. Students were least knowledgeable ( 95% were in favor of having AIDS education in schools and 40-60% endorsed attitudes reflecting intolerance of people with AIDS. 5th graders were less likely to report they would touch someone with AIDS and to blame homosexuals for the AIDS epidemic and were more likely to indicate being nervous about AIDS. Concerning coping skills 5th graders were significantly less likely to report they would blame someone else for causing the problem or accept the problem. Cognitive and emotional factors related to developmental milestones were postulated to account for these differences. These findings need to be considered in planning and implementing AIDS prevention programs especially as education is begun for younger children. Educational programs must attempt to reduce misconceptions to build powers of generalization through teaching conceptual and behavior-specific models of visual transmission and to furnish examples of preventive measures. Future research should investigate cognitive and emotional explanations for grade differences. (authors modified).

Comprehensive Pediculosis Screening Programs for Elementary Schools

Abstract: Pediculosis (head lice) is a major school and community health problem with an estimated 6–12 million cases annually resulting in $367 million a year in consumer costs, lost parental wages, and school system expenses. The greatest incidence is seen in children ages 5–12; however, the incidence in the 24–36 year old group is increasing due to their exposure to infested children. Developing comprehensive pediculosis screening programs in elementary schools provides an effective method for preventing epidemics from occurring by accomplishing early detection. These programs also promote primary health care and education among elementary schoolchildren, school officials, educators, and parents. An effective program includes screening the entire school three times a year: mid-September, December, and near spring vacation, and enforcing a “No Nit” policy. Establishing a successful approach to control pediculosis results in decreased incidence and transmission, reduced absenteeism, and financial savings for parents and school districts.

Parent Involvement in Cigarette Smoking Prevention: Two Pilot Evaluations of the "Unpuffables Program.".

Abstract: Efforts to prevent the onset of cigarette smoking with young adolescents have been primarily successful in delaying onset, particularly with classroom curricula that emphasize social competencies. Maintenance of these reductions has been difficult to sustain into later adolescence, suggesting the need for programs to complement and supplement curricula. Since one group of adolescents more difficult to influence are those whose parents smoke, parental involvement in smoking prevention may be a powerful enhancer. This paper describes the “Unpuffables Program,” an activity package program around smoking, for preadolescents and their parents. Two pilot evaluation studies in Minnesota and Massachusetts focus on the feasibility of and receptivity to the “Unpuffables Program.” High awareness and participation rates were found in both settings. The program appears to provide an opportunity for smoking to be discussed at home, motivating smokers to consider cessation, and reinforcing nonsmoking parents' attitudes and behaviors.

Drinking, drug use, and driving among rural midwestern youth

Abstract: Data concerning self-reported driving after drinking or using other drugs were collected from 3,382 junior and senior high school students in rural central and southern Illinois. Drinking, drug use, and driving increased steadily with age, with 42% of the 12th grade class indicating they had driven a car at least one time in the past six months after drinking or using other drugs. Riding with a driver who had been drinking also increased with age; 20% of the seventh grade sample had ridden in a car with a drinking driver, while 58% of the 12th grade sample reported having done so. Slightly more females had ridden in a car with a driver who had been drinking than males, while males reported higher rates of driving after drinking or using other drugs than females. Correlation analyses indicated 22 variables related significantly to drinking, drug use, and driving. Forward stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 11 variables related significantly to riding as a passenger with a drinking driver. Thirteen variables were related significantly to driving after drinking or using other drugs. Frequency of alcohol use variables were the most powerful indicators of self-reported driving after drinking or using other drugs in this sample. Language: en

AIDS/HIV Education for Preservice Elementary Teachers

Abstract: Professional preparation programs should provide future elementary teachers opportunities to develop competence in dealing with school-related AIDS issues. Curriculum writers and instructors of preservice elementary teachers could be more effective if they were aware of this groups' beliefs about school-related AIDS issues. A survey was conducted to assess the beliefs and opinions of preservice elementary teachers about school-related AIDS issues. Subjects (n = 157) generally agreed they would eventually have a child with AIDS in their classroom and agreed AIDS education should be included in the elementary grades, yet a substantial number did not believe they understood the basics about AIDS. Less than one-third indicated they knew how to clean up blood or body fluids safely. About one-third indicated they would feel personally threatened to teach a student with AIDS. These results are reflected in recommended AIDS educational content and resources for preservice elementary teachers and future research in this area.

Effects of a brief theory-based intervention on the practice of testicular self-examination by high school males.

Abstract: This preliminary study evaluated a brief intervention, based on the theory of planned behavior, designed to encourage high school students to practice testicular self-examination (TSE). Ninety-nine male ninth and 10th grade students were exposed to a message challenging beliefs about outcomes of performing TSE as suggested by the theory of planned behavior, a message providing information about TSE and testicular cancer, or a control message, after which they completed a questionnaire operationalizing components of the theoretical model. Four weeks later, students reported their practice of TSE. As predicted, students exposed to the theory-based message reported a stronger intention to perform TSE and, at follow-up, were more likely to report having performed the exam than study participants exposed to other messages. Data provide partial support for the utility of the theory of planned behavior as a framework for constructing health-promoting messages. Future research recommendations are offered.

Recommendations for obtaining cooperation to conduct school-based research.

Abstract: Recommendations for obtaining school cooperation to conduct school-based research are offered. Step-by-step protocols are outlined to assist prospective researchers in their quest to gain access to the school environment. The principle reason for adhering to these recommendations is to ensure research that is methodical, thorough, and scrupulous so children will benefit from resultant educational programming.

Health behavior correlates of depression in a sample of high school students.

Abstract: Frequency of symptoms of depression and selected health-related practices and events were measured in a sample of 219 high school students. Students reported numerous symptoms of depression. Relative proportions of boys and girls reporting symptoms of depression were not significantly different. However, girls reported experiencing more severe depression than their male counterparts. Depression correlated significantly with several of the 22 health practices and states of affect examined. Both the determinants and manifestations of depression in adolescent cohorts require in-depth investigation. Possible implications for school health personnel are discussed.

Developmentally-based AIDS/HIV education.

Abstract: A growing number of health and education professionals argue that AIDS/HIV education curricula should be developmentally-based. They suggest the principles of developmental psychology be used to design curricula based on the sequentially ordered ways children of different ages understand AIDS. Relying on findings of research on development of children's conceptions of illness, a specific developmentally-based approach to educating school-age children about AIDS/HIV is presented in this paper. For each of three major age groups, the paper describes general characteristics for children's thought processes, ways in which children assimilate information about various aspects of AIDS, and implications for educating children about causes, prevention, and fear of AIDS. The focus of AIDS/HIV education can move from reducing fear in the younger group, to identifying and differentiating causes and noncauses of AIDS in the intermediate groups, to articulating strategies for AIDS prevention in the older group.

Impact of a school-based workplace health promotion program on morale of inner-city teachers.

Abstract: Results from an evaluation study designed to assess the impact of a school-based, workplace health promotion program on the morale of inner-city school teachers are reported. Teachers in 10 schools completed a questionnaire measuring components of morale prior to and following the opportunity to participate in a series of health promotion programs. Programs included stress management, nutrition education, healthy back, fitness, weight control, and recreational activities. Data also were collected on teachers from a comparison group of schools in the same district. Measures of teachers' pretest and posttest perceptions of the school environment, particularly in terms of perceived control over work activities and participation (ie, empowerment, p less than .05) at posttest, indicated morale was enhanced in schools that implemented the program.

ACCESS: Keystones for School Health Promotion

Abstract: This article provides a perspective on the three elements that traditionally constitute school health programs in the U.S. and describes a new model called ACCESS. Consisting of five major keystones, ACCESS provides an organizational structure for planning, implementing, and evaluating school health promotion programs. In addition, the model provides a reference point for international comparisons of school health.

A comparison of AIDS and STD knowledge between sexually active alcohol consumers and abstainers.

Abstract: Effective curricula should influence knowledge levels of all students, including high-risk populations. In this study, a modified version of the National Adolescent Student Health Survey was administered to a group of eighth and 10th grade students (N = 3,803) exposed to a curriculum designed to improve AIDS and STD knowledge levels. The analysis examined the influence of gender, ethnicity, alcohol use, and sexual activity as they related to AIDS and STD knowledge. Findings indicated poor knowledge scores on STD items, with no significant differences on group comparisons. Comparisons of AIDS knowledge scores indicated significant differences based on gender, ethnicity, and behavior. Females scored higher than males, whites scored higher than blacks, and abstainers from sexual activity and alcohol scored higher than their active counterparts. Results suggest current educational efforts are not equally effective. Future educational initiatives should be sensitive to group membership.

Self-esteem and health instruction: challenges for curriculum development.

Abstract: A review of literature on self-esteem and its role in health education raises questions about the extent to which health education can influence student self-esteem through direct and indirect instruction. This article operationally defines self-esteem, discusses the role of health education in developing self-esteem through direct and indirect instruction, interprets evidence that self-esteem is affected by health education curricula, and discusses challenges facing health educators in curriculum development, instruction, and evaluation of self-esteem as a realistic component of health education curricula.

The World Health Organization: school health initiatives.

Abstract: The UN and its family of operational agencies have existed for almost 5 decades. For school health personnel to understand how these agencies operate--in particular the World Health Organization (WHO)--is worthwhile. To understand how WHO influenced the practice of health education for school aged youth some critical events that have occurred during the past 5 decades are reviewed and several current and future activities are identified and described. Austria England Norway and Finland designed and conducted the WHO Cross-National Survey: Health Behavior of School aged Children. A core survey was set up and each country could add optional questions according to its own needs. The 2nd round of survey was done during the 1985 school year with 11 countries taking part. In May 1989 more than 17 European nations and Canada decided to take part in the 3rd round conducted during the next academic year. WHO has been working on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)/Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDS) education. In 1988 the WHO Division of Health Education and Health Promotion was established. WHO is working with the US Centers for Disease Controls Division of Adolescent and School Health to set up a collaborating center emphasizing school health education. Recently in 3rd world countries there has been a dramatic drop in infant mortality through the expanded program of immunization increases in breast feeding improvement of weaning practices and oral rehydration therapy. This is the Child Survival Revolution. These efforts should be continued beyond infancy. This is known as the Child Development Revolution. An Action- Oriented Prototype Curriculum has been developed. It is used in teacher training and contains material on diarrheal disease control expanded immunization programs breast feeding AIDS and family planning. The strategy is to learn by action and discovery. (authors modified)

United States: perspectives in school health.

Abstract: An overview is presented of school health programs being conducted in the U.S. as well as the U.S. education system. Major health problems of youth are identified and initiatives to improve the health of school-aged youth are reviewed. With the start of the new decade, it will be important to use and disseminate the findings from ongoing school health programs and research projects, to address the growing social issues for children and adolescents that directly affect their physical health, and to broaden the scope of school health to include issues of psychological or mental health, issues related to social competencies, dysfunctional family lives, or major life events.

First Family Planning Visit in School‐Based Clinics

Abstract: The timing of the first family planning visit for 144 female adolescents using school-based clinics in four St. Paul, Minn., high schools was studied. Mean delay time for the sample was 11.4 months and the median was 7.8 months. Almost 50% of the sample arrived within two months of either a planned onset of sexual intercourse (virgin group) or a recent start of sexual activity (short delay group). Early onset of sexual activity (v age 15) was more prevalent among long delayers (47.9%) than among short delayers (21.1%). Longer delayers were more likely to come from the lowest socioeconomic groups. Short delayers and longer delayers were equally likely to have been motivated to attend the clinic because they feared they were pregnant. Reasons for choosing this clinic over others reflected the importance of confidentiality, comprehensiveness of services, and the specific adolescent orientation of care.

Heart Healthy Cook‐offs in Home Economics Classes: An Evaluation with junior High School Students

Abstract: The Pawtucket Heart Health program works closely with the 23 parochial and public schools in Pawtucket, R.I., to educate students and teachers about heart health promotion. As part of that partnership, the PHHP developed a program to teach junior high school home economics students about nutrition, food purchasing techniques, and heart healthy cooking methods. In this Heart Healthy Cook-off program, the PHHP distributes recipe guidelines to home economics teachers who instruct students in recipe modification, food preparation, and presentation. Students choose recipes and make heart healthy substitutions to lower fat and sodium content. Recipes are analyzed for nutrient content by the PHHP and returned to the students with suggestions for lowering fat and sodium if necessary. Final recipes are judged for heart healthiness by a nutritionist and for taste by a panel of judges. Prizes are awarded to students with winning recipes. Before and after the Cook-offs, classes host a blood cholesterol SCORE (screening, counseling, and referral event) where students learn about their blood cholesterol level and its relationship to dietary intake. In 1988–1989, 105 junior high school students participated in the Cook-off/SCORE program. Forty percent had elevated blood cholesterol levels of 170 mg/dl or above. A statistically significant decrease in blood cholesterol levels was observed during a 12-week time period. The Cook-off is a fun, effective program for teaching secondary school students about heart healthy eating habits.

Are health educators being prepared to provide HIV/AIDS education?: A survey of selected health education professional preparation programs.

Abstract: Health education professional preparation programs were surveyed to determine the extent of HIV/AIDS education health educators are receiving. The survey also addressed content areas skills being developed or enhanced areas of deficiency in preparation programs and areas in which national professional associations may assist in the preparation of AIDS educators. 183 surveys were mailed; 114 (68%) were completed and returned. 21 institutions reported planning separate course on HIV/AIDS. Most were designing general service courses to reach a broad cross-section of students. 25 institutions (23.8%) reported previously offering or currently offering a specific course on AIDS. 102 (89.5%) respondents reported HIV/AIDS education was of sufficient importance to influence firing of faculty members in their departments. Survey findings demonstrate that current AIDS education courses targeted to the general student population may not be adequate in meeting the professional preparation needs of health educators charged to provide AIDS education. (Authors).