School nurses' perceptions of the health needs of Hispanic elementary school children

School nurses' perceptions of the health needs of Hispanic elementary school children were surveyed in a national sample. Differences among the identified priority health needs were found for Hispanic subgroups and states of residence. Possible implications for school health personnel are discussed.     

School nurses' perceptions of parental involvement in school health. Results of a statewide study

The purpose of this study was to determine how school nurses attempt to involve parents of seventh graders in school health programs, identify nurses' perceptions of barriers to parental involvement, and identify related staff development needs. A questionnaire was sent to the school nurse in each school in Indiana that had a seventh grade (n = 447); 279 questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 63%. Most respondents worked in situations without written policies for parental involvement. A minority of school nurses reported receiving input from parents through advisory committees or parent surveys. The most common involvement activities were related to providing parents with information about the school health program. Less than half of the respondents reported offering health education through activities such as parent health education classes, health fairs, health education resource centers, or health newsletters. Lack of time was identified as the major barrier faced by school nurses. Several staff development needs were identified.     

Comparison of education versus behavioral skills training interventions in lowering sexual HIV-risk behavior of substance-dependent adolescents.

Substance-dependent adolescents (N?=?34) in a residential drug treatment facility received either a 6-session behavior skills training HIV-risk reduction intervention or standard HIV education. After the intervention, adolescents who received behavior skills training exhibited increased knowledge about HIV-AIDS, more favorable attitudes toward prevention and condom use, more internal locus of control, increased self-efficacy, increased recognition of HIV risk and decreases in high-risk sexual activity. Self-report data were corroborated by records for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The results from this pilot demonstration effort suggest that skills training based on cognitive–behavioral principles may be effective in lowering high-risk adolescents' vulnerability to HIV infection and warrant evaluation in a controlled comparison with a larger sample. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hong Kong nurses' health-related behaviours: implications for nurses' role in health promotion

The health-related behaviors of a random sample (n = 92) of Hong Kong nurses were assessed by a questionnaire written either in English or in English and Chinese. Hong Kong nurses reported negligible smoking or alcohol use, low levels of breast self-examination, cervical screening behaviour and regular exercising, seat belt use and driving within the speed limit. The sample reported high levels of making efforts to avoid foods high in cholesterol, eating foods high in fibre and eating fruit daily. Dental hygiene was reported to be high. Just over half the sample reported sleeping 7-8 hours each night and eating breakfast daily. Most nurses reported maintaining their body weight at a healthy level and eating snacks between meals. The English language version of the questionnaire produced a slightly better response rate than the bilingual questionnaire. The results are discussed with reference to previous studies of females' health-related behaviours in Hong Kong and elsewhere. The implications for Hong Kong nurses' role in health promotion is discussed.     

仙桃职业学院开展麻风病健康教育效果分析

为提高大学生对麻风病防治知识的知晓率,发挥高校社团在麻风病防治中的作用,消除社会对麻风病的恐惧及对麻风病人的歧视[1],湖北仙桃职业学院于2009～2010年在大学生中开展麻风病防治知识宣传普及工作,收到一定成效.     

Enhancing students' test coping skills: Report of a psychological health education program.

We tested the effectiveness of a teacher-implemented psychological health education program designed to improve students' test coping skills in the classroom. Four hundred ninety-seven Israeli students, drawn from 24 fifth- and sixth-grade elementary school classes, were randomly assigned to experimental and control conditions by homeroom class. Students were trained to practice rational self-analysis and exploration, relaxation and deep-breathing exercises, positive self-statements, positive self-reinforcement, and coping imagery. The training program consisted of five workshop sessions held in the classroom and implemented by homeroom teachers specifically trained for the task. Overall, the cognitive training program was shown to significantly improve students' levels of performance on three cognitive measures, although it negligibly affected test anxiety score. On the whole, these results support the feasibility and effectiveness of a teacher-based program for the improvement of students' test coping skills and subsequent test performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Chief State School Officers rank barriers to implementing comprehensive school health education

Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) members were surveyed to determine their perception of barriers to implementing comprehensive school health education. CCSSO members were asked to prioritize the barriers and offer recommendations to overcome the barriers. A structured response, paired-comparison survey instrument was developed and mailed to 56 of 57 CCSSO members. Eighty-two percent of the members responded. CCSSO members perceived lack of administrative commitment as the number one barrier. Lack of adequately prepared teachers and insufficient time in the school day ranked second and third, respectively. While CCSSO members offered no recommendations for overcoming the number one barrier, recommendations to overcome other barriers included high-quality and more available preservice and inservice programs for teachers.     

Conceptualizing sexual health in cancer care

This qualitative study was designed to describe women's experiences with changes in sexual function related to physical comfort, sexual satisfaction, and feelings of intimacy post-treatment for gynecological cancer. The 17 women who participated in this study described sexuality as a much broader construct. Contrary to existing literature, sexual functioning was found to be one aspect that contributed to the view of the self as a sexual being, but the women's perceptions were not limited to this single dimension. The identification of multidimensional components to be considered in developing a conceptual model to describe sexual health are presented. This study indicates that sexuality should be viewed as a health issue that has an impact on quality of life.     

The sexual health of travelers

Sex and travel do not infrequently coincide as pleasurable occupations. This articles explores the possible risks of unsafe sexual activity in a travel-related context, gives guidelines on how to decrease risks for both partners, and outlines how to manage the exposed or infected traveler on his or her return home. Both sexually transmitted infections and contraception are covered.     

Ethical issues in health education

Moral dilemmas abound during health education practice and ethical decisions have to be made. This article examines the contribution of the four guiding ethical principles (respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice) to nurse decision making. Multidisciplinary ethical guidelines to assist health educators to serve the best interests of patients and clients are suggested.     

Graduate-level education and training in child sexual abuse.

The purpose of this article is to further graduate-level education and training in child sexual abuse. Two graduate-level courses that focus on child sexual abuse are considered as well. The following points are made: (a) Training in child sexual abuse should be incorporated into professional training programs; (b) research and theory courses on child sexual abuse are indicated; (c) the topic of child sexual abuse should be mainstreamed into existing practica; (d) the multidisciplinary nature of the field necessitates consideration of resources and references beyond those specific to psychology as well as professional engagement with individuals from many disciplines; and (e) training in child sexual abuse elicits strong emotional responses in trainees and others. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)