The Journal of school health
-
Oral snuff and chewing tobacco, commonly referred to as smokeless tobacco, are being used by many adolescent and young adult males, and no indication exists that use by this group is declining. Users are at risk for oral cancer, noncancerous oral pathology such as leukoplakias, and addiction. ⋯ Due to the addictive nature of smokeless tobacco, older youth may need cessation programs. Health educators are encouraged to include smokeless tobacco in their tobacco use prevention programs and to develop and implement comprehensive tobacco interventions appropriate for their youth population.
-
This survey assessed the status of Wisconsin public school district programs designed to prevent alcohol and other drug related problems among students. The assessment involved surveying prevention program directors of 102 school districts that received grants for prevention initiatives since 1981. Most districts (70%) implemented programs at the elementary, middle, and senior high school levels. ⋯ School programs predominantly were school-based and did not systematically involve community members or agencies. The greatest obstacles to providing effective prevention services include high rates of alcohol and other drug use in homes and communities, denial of alcohol and other drug related problems among students, parents, and community members, and lack of staff time for prevention activities. Project directors indicated a need for schools to initiate greater involvement of parents, nonschool alcohol and drug abuse prevention agencies, and other community organizations in school efforts.
-
Patterns and prevalence of smokeless tobacco use by high school seniors in New York state were identified in this study. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 10% of each senior class in 96 randomly selected public and nonpublic secondary schools in New York; 1,830 students participated. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests. ⋯ Further research on the relationship between smokeless tobacco and cigarette smoking should be conducted. Use of chemical assays or the bogus pipeline to validate self-reported data is recommended. Identified high-risk groups such as rural males should receive particular attention in future research efforts.
-
Thousands of children are burned each year, and hundreds die from their burns. The physical wounds of burns take less time to heal than psychological wounds caused by the burns. The child will need to make adjustments in self-concept and body image as well as social adjustments. Through support of school programs in safety education and education of the community, health educators and school nurses can help prevent the high incidence and seriousness of burns.