School-related violence among high school students in the United States, 1993-1995.

Using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals, this secondary analysis determined statistically significant predictors and prevalence rates for high school students in the United States who carried a weapon, were threatened or injured with a weapon, or were involved in physical fighting on school property from 1993-1995. Geographic region, grade in school, race/ethnicity, and gender were the independent variables. Data regarding school-related violence among adolescents were collected in 1993 and 1995 using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey developed and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results indicated gender, race, and grade in school were predictors of school-related violence for students in grades 9-12 from 1993 to 1995. Males were involved in violent acts more often than females. Minority students, especially Hispanics and Blacks, and students in lower grades at school participate in and are victims of violence more often than other students.

Gender representation in illustrations, text, and topic areas in sexuality education curricula.

A content analysis instrument was developed to examine differences in gender representation in sexuality education curricula. Fourteen middle school and high school curricula, published between 1985 and 1995, were examined. Variables included illustrations, noun/pronoun usage, and specific topics within the two categories of biological function and mutual interest. The study examined differences in gender representation in illustrations, photographs, cartoons, drawings, and text. Omission of sexuality topics related to gender also was examined. Little difference occurred within the text of the curricula in noun and pronoun usage. Illustrations were few in number, but showed greater female representation. Greater male representation occurred in topics related to drug use, sexual exploitation, sexual desire, and homosexuality. Topics with greater female representation included body image, diseases of the reproductive organs, and hygiene.

An assessment of 23 selected school-based sexuality education curricula.

While quality sexuality education curricula are available, those responsible for selecting a curriculum may not feel confident to choose one to meet the needs of their students and community. This paper presents a method to guide in selecting sexuality education curricula as well as results from an evaluation of 23 school-based sexuality education curricula. School administrators, curriculum specialists, health educators, school nurses, teachers, and parents involved in curriculum adoption or development can use the process described to select or develop a sexuality education curriculum to meet the needs of their school and community.

Understanding volunteer peer health educators' motivations: applying social learning theory.

We conducted focus group interviews with students who were current peer health educators at a mid-sized university to determine what factors motivate individuals to volunteer for a peer health education program. Specifically, we asked the participants questions designed to explore their life experiences, their expectations of the peer education program, and their motivations. Constructs from social learning theory were used to categorize and contribute to our understanding of the responses. Many participants specified experiences with family members or friends, such as alcoholism or other illnesses, that had influenced their decisions. Participants' expectation of the program varied greatly and did not indicate a strong link to the decision to volunteer. The peer health educators' motivations for volunteering were altruistic, such as wanting to help others; egotistic, such as wanting job training; or related to self-efficacy beliefs, such as satisfying a personal need for health education. This study indicated that life experiences, a belief in the effectiveness of peer health education programs, and positive reinforcement to join influence the decision to volunteer. Implications for coordinating peer education programs are discussed.

The 1993 ASHA membership survey: members speak up.

Professional organizations, to better serve their members, must strive to communicate regularly with the membership at large and to learn about members' needs, interests, and personal and professional status. The membership survey of the American School Health Association was sent to a stratified random sample of 500 members. A 68% response rate was achieved after a presurvey announcement and two follow-up mailings. Collected data was subjected to descriptive analysis and the chi-square test of significance. Survey findings indicated most ASHA members are satisfied with the overall operation and services of the Association. Data revealed satisfaction with overall quality, format, content, and appearance of the Journal of School Health. The ASHA national school health conference, The PULSE, and other ASHA publications also received strong approval. One-half the respondents reported they are required to earn continuing education credit. More than two-thirds of respondents had never attended a national conference. Overall ratings of various ASHA functions were statistically related to age, gender, income level, educational background, and primary discipline.

Death themes in literature for children ages 3-8.

Children's literature provides an appropriate tool for addressing concepts of death education. This study examined how death is presented in literature for children ages three-eight. A review of literature and Holsti's formula for intercoder reliability were used to develop a data collection instrument. Children's books with death themes were identified, and a content analysis recording frequencies for 39 items was performed on 65 books available for the study. A profile of the typical children's book with death themes was developed. The profile is discussed in terms of positive and negative presentations of death and being developmentally appropriate for young children. Based on results from the study, death themes are presented in a positive, realistic way that promote healthy development. Because of its positive presentations, children's literature is recommended as a teaching tool for death education.

Would Quincy make it as a health educator?

Commercial television's potential as a source of health-related information is nearly unknown. One hundred seventy-six undergraduate students watched a fictional, dramatic television program and recorded health information as if they were taking course notes. These notes were compared to a "key" developed by a panel of health professionals. Slightly less than half (42%) of the total possible health information was recorded. Ninety-two percent included some specific information about the program's main health theme. Females recorded significantly more information than males. Persons who enjoyed the program had higher point scores than those who did not enjoy the program. Further research as to the usefulness of all varieties of commercial television as disseminators of accurate, recognizable health-related information is warranted. Additionally, improved skills for students as well as the general public as critical viewers are needed.