Supports findings from a 1996 meeting of two school health organizations that there is a need for additional research on school nursing, reviewing existing research, describing the group process used to establish a research agenda on school nursing, presenting results of the process, and offering recommendations for the next steps to be taken by…

The Bienestar Health Program is a diabetes risk-factor prevention program targeting Mexican American fourth graders. Program goals are to decrease overweight and dietary fats. The program is based on social cognitive theory and uses culturally relevant material. Preliminary evaluation indicates the program significantly decreases dietary fat,…

Investigated whether self-esteem preceded various academic behaviors and beliefs among high school students. Surveys of sociodemographics, educational plans, perceived academic progress, relative academic standing, and school and home self-esteem indicated that student academic performance influenced subsequent school and home self-esteem.…

Reviews peer-led substance-abuse prevention programs for middle school youth to determine whether they are efficacious in minimizing substance use. A meta-analysis of 120 studies examined program features and effectiveness. Results indicated that interactive peer interventions for middle school students were statistically superior to…

Describes the Massachusetts experience of developing medication-administration regulations for public and private schools and implementing those regulations within the commonwealth. The model recognizes that school nurses and school physicians are the decision makers about medications in school. The regulations demand that school districts…

Presents five principles to help communities establish school-based primary care centers linking community health and social services with educational systems. The principles encompass community participation; early assessment of community needs; integration of health and human services with educational services through an interdisciplinary,…

Describes evaluation of "Heart Partners," which used an interpersonal approach to increasing schools' and teachers' acceptance and use of school health-promotion innovations. Trained individuals became on-campus recruiters and allies of advocates. Participant surveys showed a twofold to fourfold increase in actual use and reach of school…

This commentary addresses the role of behavior and learning in children's liking and eating of vegetables and candy, discussing the results from research with preschool children concerning their development of food preferences and the social context of eating. Practical applications of the research results for schools are presented. (SM)

This article provides a framework to help school nurses decide which roles are appropriate in school settings and how health education fits into their roles. The article discusses school nurses' training and qualifications, specific roles in staff health promotion that use nurses' unique abilities, and how nurses can advocate for comprehensive…

Summarizes strategies most likely to be effective in promoting healthy eating among school-aged youths and provides nutrition education guidelines for a comprehensive school health program. The guidelines include recommendations on seven aspects of a school based program to promote healthy eating. (SM)

Presents findings from food frequency questionnaires and surveys of 138 Midwestern eighth-grade student-parent pairs. The study examined the incidence of modifiable and nonmodifiable osteoporosis risk factors and compared gender differences. Data analysis indicated that many adolescents possessed several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors…

Presents findings from focus group discussions that examined high school students' perceptions of human sexuality education. Results found considerable consensus among students. Students believed effective sexuality education covered many topics, including emotional/social aspects of sexuality and relationships, and they advocated starting such…

Surveys of directors of Schools of the 21st Century, an educational model that provides integrated services to children and families, examined the availability of school health services. Results found that the services varied greatly in availability and comprehensiveness. Most schools provided basic preventive screenings, health education, and…

Summarizes how some education agencies, collaborating with health agencies, community agencies, school boards, parents, and youth, use data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which monitors six categories of adolescent behavior that place them at risk, to describe risk behaviors, create awareness, set program goals, develop programs, support…

Surveys and focus groups involving students from high schools with condom availability programs assessed health risk behaviors and perceptions of school environment, program effectiveness, and program improvement. Students supported such programs. Students worried about privacy when obtaining condoms, recommending private locations for accessing…