Professional preparation of elementary teachers in Ohio: status of K-6 health education.

Improving the health status of children and youth depends to an extent on the adequate preparation of elementary teachers to teach health education. This survey: 1) examined the status of health education preparation that preservice elementary education majors receive from Ohio colleges and universities (n = 50); 2) determined the type of health education courses that Ohio colleges and universities require for elementary education majors; and 3) assessed the extent to which Ohio colleges and universities incorporate health and pedagogy-related content in their courses for elementary education majors. Results showed that 40 of the 50 institutions offered a health course. Twelve different textbooks were used in the courses. Coverage of course content ranged from much to none for 10 survey items ranging from the National Health Education Standards to the K-6 Health Instruction Responsibilities and Competencies.

Attitudes, knowledge, and training of medical residents regarding adolescent health issues.

This study examined attitudes, knowledge, and training relating to adolescent health issues, of medical residents in six different specialties who provide care to adolescents, at a southern, rural medical school without an organized curriculum in adolescent medicine. An original 18-item questionnaire was developed which examined four broad health care categories: general medicine, sexuality, high-risk behaviors, and development. Of 118 residents 91 (77%) responded. For any health care area, residents reported managing fewer than 10 adolescent patients and often fewer than 3 patients. However, they reported comfort and confidence and little desire for additional training in most of these areas. There were few differences between specialties or year of training. Almost one-half (42%) believed that pediatric care should end by age 16 years; 32% thought it should end at age 18 years. However, there was little support for pediatricians providing prenatal care to pregnant teens. These findings are useful for planning curriculum in ambulatory adolescent health and developing strategies for encouraging residents to understand and embrace the challenge of adolescent health care.