A survey of 181 tenth graders in New York high schools revealed that they were most uncertain of their ability to refuse sex under pressure or after using alcohol/drugs and to purchase condoms and use them consistently. Students with lower self-efficacy were twice as likely to have had sex and five times less likely to have used condoms…

Interviews with 47 community organizations in 2 Latino communities in New York City found that (1) more than half already sponsored AIDS prevention activities; (2) more active groups had multiple missions and prior experience with people with AIDS; and (3) more resources are needed to overcome social, community, and family/individual obstacles.…

Following media recruitment campaign, WIN at Home, series of diet-related booklets mailed to participants, was evaluated through survey of 226 participants (75 percent). Results showed that 97 percent learned about program through media, women were more likely to learn about it from personal sources, 57 percent shared information with spouses, and…

According to data from a survey of 1,720 Texas ninth graders, attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy predicted 36 percent of variance in intention to limit number of sexual partners and 17 percent of variance in condom use intentions. Attitudes, norms, and intentions were related to number of sexual partners. (SK)

Describes a three-phase stress inoculation program for health educators teaching adolescents. The program focuses on students actively interpreting and reshaping their perceptions of stress and students' ability to cope with and confront peer pressure situations. The article presents considerations for using stress inoculation in grades 7-12…

Survey of university undergraduates and nightclub patrons asked if they would engage in sex with unlimited sexual partners as frequently as desired if it would result in death by AIDS after 2-10 years. In all groups, there was a sizeable minority who did not respond definitely no to the question. (SM)

Effectiveness of a three-phase program to provide inner-city high school freshmen with skills to enhance self-perception and exercise greater control over their lives (particularly sexual behavior) was tested. Pretesting and posttesting indicated a significant decrease in frequency of sexual activity and increase in contraception use by program…

Describes a study investigating the effects of the Developing Understanding of Self and Others (DUSO-R) program and relaxation/imagery training on the self-esteem of economically disadvantaged fourth graders. Data analysis indicated that the DUSO-R effectively elevated students' feelings of self-esteem and global self-worth and acted as an…

Examines the African-American community's response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, focusing on historical and cultural factors that may have undermined intervention and education efforts. Advocates the design and provision of a culture-specific HIV risk reduction program and offers specific culture-relevant guidelines for AIDS risk reduction efforts. (SM)

In plans for health care reform, the role of health education in reducing risk behaviors associated with leading causes of death must be recognized. Reform offers new opportunities for prevention programs in schools, worksites, and communities. (SK)

Analysis of interactions among 377 patients and 38 physicians, compared to their self-reports, showed that neither doctors nor patients accurately reported health counseling discussions nor agreed about what was discussed. Smoking and diet discussions were most accurately reported, physical activity, alcohol, and stress discussions less so. (SK)

The Take Heart Project in 36 worksites sought changes in tobacco use, cholesterol, and fat intake. Employee steering committees selected brief, low-intensity health education and environmental change activities. The project is an effective way to tailor interventions to worksites, taking into account site and employee characteristics and previous…

Review of 57 studies of effectiveness of intervention in changing dental health behavior showed that education can improve behavior and oral health but has limited success in changing attitudes and achieves only short-term knowledge gains. (SK)

Study of 937 children, grades 3-8, showed that authoritative parenting (balancing responsiveness and control) increased child competence; low self-esteem, confidence, and achievement were associated with beginning and continuing smoking; authoritative parenting was inversely related to child smoking; and children were more likely to smoke if…

Discussions with 27 focus groups of third to sixth graders revealed a high level of AIDS awareness and correct knowledge about transmission and prevention. Many had difficulty explaining causation and overestimated numbers of children possibly affected. Misconceptions were more prevalent in lower grades. (SK)