The psychological effects of Hurricane Andrew on ethnic minority and Caucasian children and adolescents: a case study.

The impact of Hurricane Andrew on 212 African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic elementary and middle school children was examined at 6 months postdisaster. Using self-report instruments, this case study examined the predictive utility of several hypothesized mediators of children's reactions to disaster. Results showed higher levels of intrusive symptomatology for girls and for elementary school children as compared with their middle school counterparts. No differences were found with reference to race. The lack of findings concerning race is addressed, as well as implications for future studies.

Fears in children and adolescents: reliability and generalizability across gender, age and nationality.

In this study, the reliability and generalizability of the FSSC-R was explored across gender, age and nationality. 594 normal children and adolescents from the United States and 591 normal youths from Australia participated. Results confirmed that the schedule is internally consistent across these subject parameters, and that the factor structure is fairly robust. Future directions, including use of the schedule with client populations, are addressed.

Food behavior of college students.

Two hundred twelve undergraduate college students were surveyed near the completion of an introductory nutrition course to identify their patterns of food usage, changes in food habits, and previous nutrition background. Fifty percent increased their use of milk and milk products and 40% their use of vegetables; 50% decreased fat and sugar and one-third decreased salt and calories. About half the class used nutrient supplements before the course started as well as at the time of the survey. Although about half of the students had received some preocollege nutrition information, this factor had no relationship to eating habits. Cluster analysis indicated that students cannot be stereotyped extensively on the basis of dietary behaviors.

Variables that affect productivity in school foodservices.

Productivity in school foodservice can be measured through the use of a statistical model designed to evaluate predictors of productivity. The model in this study utilized 6 productivity measures and 12 predictor variables which served to broaden the basis upon which school foodservice administrators can make sound decisions regarding productivity. Significant findings indicated that the number of employees producing meals should be kept to a minimum; contingencies inherent in each operating unit affect the total amount of labor time used to produce meals; managers should have at least a two-year certificate of training; menu steps should be kept to a minimum; the use of disposable ware may aid in keeping payroll cost at a controllable level.

Factors influencing contraceptive behavior of single college students.

This study investigated the premarital contraceptive behavior of 222 male and female college students. Contraceptive practice was examined in relation to dating patterns, level of emotional involvement with the sex partner was heightened, the intercourse was planned, and the individual and prior sexual experience.

PIP: In recognition of the evidence that the rate of premarital intercourse is increasing and that a large proportion of those engaging in it are failing to use contraception, the premarital contraceptive behavior of 222 male and female college students was studied in order to learn about the conditions favoring reliable contraceptive use and those that make it unlikely. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was completed by 359 students enrolled in a human sexual development class (137 students were subsequently excluded because they were or had been married, had never had sexual intercourse, or had failed to complete the questionnaire). Contraceptive practice was examined in relation to dating patterns, level of emotional involvement with sex partners, type of birth control used, number of different sex partners, and reasons for failure to use birth control. 1 of the clearest findings of the study was that the beginning participant in intercourse is at high risk. During the 1st intercourse, 20% failed to use any method of contraception and 76% used either none or an unreliable method. By the time of the most recent intercourse, 50% were using the oral contraceptive and an additional 29% were using condom, diaphragm, foam, jelly, IUD, or a combination of these methods. A statistically significant difference was observed between that 1st and most recent intercourse in terms of the usage of reliable contraception. Results showed that the likelihood of using a reliable contraceptive increased when there was a high level of emotional involvement with the sex partner, the intercourse was planned, and the individual had prior sexual experience.