Reports on a study of 15 doctoral students who were alcoholics' daughters. It examined family origin and elementary-secondary schooling, plus data from the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test. Findings indicated that children survived by hiding their parents' problem, masquerading as normal, and actively working to avoid being discovered. (SM)

Presents a multisystemic approach to adolescent pregnancy, describing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. The article explains health educators' roles in establishing multisystemic programs in primary prevention environments and describes a multisystemic theoretical model of adolescent pregnancy that utilizes interpersonal, family, and…

Describes a model course for the study of ethics in professional preparation programs of health educators. The article reviews related literature, discusses the importance of including ethics instruction in professional preparation, and describes proposed course goals, suggesting content areas, teaching methods, and student activities. (SM)

Analysis of the contraceptive behavior of 123 young adults indicates that (1) interventions to change high-risk behaviors need to address differing perceptions of pregnancy and disease prevention and (2) interventions will be more effective if positive aspects of using contraceptives are made more salient. (SK)

Analysis of 4 New Jersey studies of 3,329 homeowners found that (1) thinking about radon testing is predicted by general radon knowledge; (2) decision to test is related to perceived likelihood of risk; and (3) actual testing is influenced by situational factors such as locating and choosing test kits. (SK)

Interviews and health diaries recording symptoms among 667 older adults revealed that three-quarters exhibited potential health risks and had considerable knowledge about them. However, one in eight was seriously at risk from symptoms but did not consult a physician. (SK)

A group of 2,169 Hispanic-American injection drug users were given health education and counseling. Follow-up of 1,616 showed a significant increase in health knowledge, decrease in risky behavior, and more realistic perceptions of AIDS risk. HIV positive status was not a significant predictor of behavior change. (SK)

Data from 409 Hispanic-American and 138 Anglo older women in Tucson identified few differences in their use of breast cancer screening and low levels of risk knowledge. Both groups fell well below recommended frequency of screening. Clinical examination and self-examination were used more than mammography. (SK)

Among 69 families with adolescents aged 12-14, an experimental group viewed a video on AIDS prevention with information and training, controls viewed the video only. Both increased knowledge, but only the experimental group increased communication skills and exhibited better family problem solving. (SK)

The Adolescent Health Concerns Inventory assesses youth concerns and teacher and parent beliefs about youth concerns in such areas as substance abuse, environment, sexuality, safety, nutrition, social and emotional health, relationships, and the future. Tests on a sample of 419 high school students established its content and construct validity.…

Health communication helps change behaviors in a large audience regarding a specific problem in a predefined time period. This article illustrates linkages between diffusion theory, social marketing, and health communication, articulating examples of health communication campaigns and discussing three models of health communication programs…

Clarion University of Pennsylvania has developed and implemented a model health-education emphasis for preservice teachers. The program addresses key issues in health education and offers professional preparation for providing health education as part of an overall comprehensive health program for schools. (SM)

Reviews the health consequences of smoking among African Americans. Examines factors predicting smoking onset in general and discusses studies assessing gender and ethnicity differences. Describes the Memphis Health Project, a five-year study identifying factors associated with smoking onset in African American versus Euro-American girls. (SM)

This article presents information on tobacco use initiation by middle-school students who were exposed to the Iowa Program against Smoking. From 1984 to 1989, students completed surveys on smoking status, attitudes and beliefs, and family and peer smoking. Results indicated that experimentation with tobacco was the single best predictor of regular…

Institutional, program, and student evaluation should focus on increasing the effectiveness of academic programs and improving student learning and performance. All higher education regional accrediting associations have requested more emphasis on assessment. The paper examines accreditation, approaches to assessment, and use of the Role…