Eighth-graders' (N=1,513) responses to a smoking questionnaire and a self-esteem scale revealed that 15 percent currently smoked, with another 17 percent intending to smoke. Self-esteem and parental smoking behavior significantly influenced students' smoking behavior, as did family involvement in the tobacco industry. (Author/CB)

Study of injuries, health office visits, and school absences of 983 children enrolled in three elementary schools indicated that absence frequency was significantly related to school hours, with fewer absences found in schools with extended hours. Magnet school enrollment was positively associated with rates of health office visits and injuries.…

The goals of a study of 1,138 junior high school students were to provide data on tobacco chewing intentions and behaviors and to describe differences in attitudes and social norms between chewing intenders and nonintenders. Response differences regarding physical and psychosocial effects suggested specific educational strategies. (Author/CB)

Results from a statewide survey of 100 Alabama day care program directors identified the scope of health education activities, the program directors' perceptions of benefits and barriers to health education in child care settings, and factors affecting the adoption and delivery of early childhood health education programs. (IAH)

An effective implementation program to achieve drug-free schools and communities meets the needs of students at various stages of drug use and abuse. Prevention, early intervention, and referral strategies are components of the five-phase research based comprehensive planning approach for K-12 students described in this article. (IAH)

Results are presented from a study of Project SHOUT, a tobacco-use prevention program which targets sixth and seventh graders. Distinguished from similar programs by its use of college students rather than peer or teacher leaders, Project SHOUT serves as a pilot for a generic tobacco-use prevention program. (IAH)

Findings from a survey of 1,830 New York state high school seniors include: smokeless tobacco use (STU) is predominately a rural male behavior; STU declines over timee; cigarette smoking begins before STU; peer influence and taste are cited most often as leading to STU. (IAH)

This survey assessed school principals' perceptions regarding childhood obesity and the schools' role in dealing with the problem. Results of a survey of 277 elementary school principals are presented. (Author/MT)

Self-esteem and health locus of control have been postulated as predictors of attitudes and behaviors related to child health. This study measured the relationship among self-esteem, health locus of control, and health attitudes of 291 Native American fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

This cross-sectional study determined which anthropometric, dietary, and physical fitness variables were the best predictors of blood pressure in 323 white elementary school children. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

This article introduces school health programs in a comprehensive manner. These programs consist of health services, health education, school environment, health promotion, physical education, food service, counseling and psychology, as well as programs for faculty and staff. It serves as an introduction to an issue devoted to this concept. (MT)

An overview of the history of school health programs is given. The support of the community, faculty, school administrators, and elected officials is necessary for a successful school-based program. (MT)

This article describes the present status of health instruction and suggests ways to improve its effectiveness as one component of a comprehensive school health promotion program. The complexity of health education is demonstrated, and the need for thoroughly prepared teachers who are certified in health instruction is addressed. (Author/MT)

Environmental health, as it relates to schools, is defined. Site, chemical, biological, and physical health hazards are identified. Recommendations and precautions to help achieve optimal health, safety, and comfort are presented. Resources are noted. (Author/MT)

A healthy school climate occurs when school personnel work together to create an environment that is productive, nurturing, positive, and supportive. Such an environment promotes social networking, cooperative behavior, and creative and self-enhancing independence within a framework of personal responsibility and accountability. (MT)