Evaluation of school-based HIV prevention education programs in New Jersey.

This paper presents results from a process evaluation conducted by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Representative samples of middle and high school superintendents, principals, lead health teachers, and HIV teachers provided information assessing whether local district policy content was consistent with the state's policy code, the dynamics of local policy development, and school district staff perceptions and practices regarding HIV education policies. NJDOE also was interested in determining: if inservice training was accessible to teachers assigned to provide HIV education; the scope and impact of HIV inservice programs; and the training needs of staff assigned to teach the HIV curriculum. Finally, NJDOE was interested in determining: local curricula scope, sequence, and approach; the extent to which local curricula were skills-based; and local expectations for instructional outcomes. As a result of the evaluation, program staff identified areas needing remediation and planned for program improvement in new areas.

Adolescents' perceptions of relative weight and self-reported weight-loss activities: analysis of 1990 YRBS (Youth Risk behavior Survey) national data.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine, among public high school students across the United States, perceptions of relative weight-loss and its relationship to physical activity levels, time spent viewing television, and efforts to lose weight. METHODS: Self-reported data from the 1990 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) were used to analyze these relationships. The YRBS was developed and administered by the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to assess important health behaviors which contribute significantly to adverse health outcomes among American youth. A total of 10,870 black, Hispanic, and white respondents were included in this analysis. RESULTS: From this sample, 24.8% perceived themselves as being "too fat." Of that group, 76.4% were trying to lose weight. Females comprised 74.4% of those reporting that they were "too fat" and trying to lose weight. Gender differences in weight perceptions were significant (p < .001), with females (34.6%) being more likely than males (14.4%) to report being "too fat." Whites (26.0%) reported being "too fat" more often than did Hispanics (23.9%) and blacks (17.2%) (p < .001). Skipping meals and exercise were the most commonly reported weight loss strategies. Hispanics were most likely to skip meals, followed by whites and blacks. Whites were more likely than the other groups to use exercise as a means of losing weight. Adolescents who perceived themselves as "too fat" reported fewer days of strenuous activity (p < .001), fewer hours of strenuous exercise in physical education class (p < .001), and more hours spent viewing television on school days (p < .001) than others. CONCLUSIONS: One quarter of U.S. high school students perceive themselves as overweight; three-quarters of these students are trying to lose weight. Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight are less physically active and spend more time viewing television than those who do not perceive themselves as overweight.

Drug use, sexual activity, and suicidal behavior in U.S. high school students.

Data from the 1990 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to examine the interrelationship of drug use, sexual activity, and suicidal behavior in U.S. high school students. Findings indicated adolescents who engaged in substance use and/or sexual activity were more likely to experience suicide ideation and behavior than those who abstained from such activities. Data analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between cocaine use and severity of outcomes of suicide attempts. Marijuana use and alcohol use were related to suicide behavior, but these relationships were not as strong as those noted for cocaine use. The study also revealed a positive relationship between frequency of sexual activity and attempted suicide, but could not determine whether such sexual activity was coerced, forced, or voluntary in nature.

Reasons given by college students for drinking: a discriminant analysis investigation.

Based on self-reported levels of alcohol consumption, 473 college students (295 female and 178 male) were placed into at-risk or not-at-risk groups. Using reasons given for drinking as the independent variables, discriminant analysis procedures were conducted separately on the males and females to determine if a function could be found which would discriminate between the groups. For the female group, 11 of 22 reasons defined a discriminant function which accounted for 36% of the variance between the groups (p < .001). This function was also able to correctly classify 71% of the holdout sample. For the males, five of the 22 reasons defined a discriminant function which accounted for 36% of the variance between the groups (p < .001). This function was able to correctly classify 69% of the holdout sample.

Adolescents and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious health problem for adolescents, occurring in an estimated one-quarter of sexually active teen-agers. Many of the health problems--including STDs--result from specific risk-taking behaviors. Determinants of STD risks among adolescents include behavioral, psychological, social, biological, institutional factors. Education is an important component in STD control in adolescents. The goal of education is to increase adolescent self-efficiency in practicing STD prevention and risk-reduction. A comprehensive approach including quality, theory-based education, accessible and effective health clinics, and improved social and economic conditions has the most promise of controlling STDs in adolescents.

PIP: The US Department of Health and Human Service reported that 25% of sexuality active teenagers have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD). In school, youth are reported to have a lower STD prevalence of 4% based on Centers for Disease Control high school surveys. The seriousness of the problem is approached through discussion of the prevalence and health impact, the determinants (behavioral, social, biological, institutional), control strategies, and educational strategies. STD educational strategies can be effective only when part of a larger health education program (human sexuality and family life education) rather than including HIV infection instruction in a biology class. Populations particularly affected are young women and low income, urban minority youth. The adolescent risk of STDs is higher than in other age groups. Unfortunately severe consequences may involve reproductive health, i.e., tubal infertility from pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancies from, for instance, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Females suffer more damage than males, although more males die of AIDS. Behavioral factors are sexual behavior, drug use, and health care behavior. Psychological factors such as self-esteem and locus of control are associated with STD risk behavior. Sexual activity is possible earlier due to a decrease in the average age of menarche. Access to services is a critical factor in prevention. Effective intervention programs should take into account risk factors and adolescent development. Adolescent clinical services need to be improved through better diagnosis, treatment, and counseling; research and education are needed also. The goal of STD education is to provide adolescents with an increased self-sufficiency in practicing STD prevention and risk reduction. Programs must be sensitive to youth subcultures and include messages about HIV and AIDS. School and community programs are essential to reach all teenagers. The optimum conditions for controlling STDs are an improved social and economic environment, accessible and effective health clinics, and quality education.