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Background: Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, accounts for over one million cases per year. Risk can be mediated by limiting UV radiation exposure, yet efforts to increase adoption of protective measures have met with limited success. Purpose: This study compares the results of surveys conducted in 1990 and 2007 assessing the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of college students regarding intentional sun exposure. Methods: The 44-item "Sun and Skin Inventory" was administered to students enrolled in personal health classes during the fall semesters in 1990 and 2007. Results: Mean knowledge scores were no different in 2007 than 1990 and knowledge scores were not related to sunbathing frequency in either survey. Risk perception was negatively related to sunbathing frequency and students reporting greater perceived risk had more positive attitudes toward protective behaviors. Overall, sunbathing behavior was unchanged over 17 years, but students did report more frequent sunscreen use in the latter survey. Discussion: Despite educational efforts regarding risks related to intentional UV exposure, high risk behavior continues among adults. Translation to Health Education Practice: Comprehensive prevention initiatives that include education as well as policy and environmental strategies integrated across state, regional and local levels need to be implemented. (Contains 5 tables.)

Data from the 1990 North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to examine adolescents' perceptions of relative weight and the relationship of these perceptions to physical activity levels, weight loss efforts, and television viewing time. About 25 percent (860) considered themselves too fat and reported little physical activity. (SM)

Data from the 1990 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to examine the interrelationship of drug use, sexual activity, and suicidal behavior in U.S. high school students. Findings indicated adolescents who engaged in substance use and/or sexual activity were more likely to experience suicide ideation and behavior than those who abstained from such activities. Data analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between cocaine use and severity of outcomes of suicide attempts. Marijuana use and alcohol use were related to suicide behavior, but these relationships were not as strong as those noted for cocaine use. The study also revealed a positive relationship between frequency of sexual activity and attempted suicide, but could not determine whether such sexual activity was coerced, forced, or voluntary in nature. (J Sch Health. 1995;65(6):222-227), In 1990, suicide ranked as the fifth leading cause of potential life lost before age 65 in the United States.[1] The problem is particularly profound among young people with the [...]

Objectives: To test the validity, reliability, and uses of the multidimensional Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS). Methods: Self-reported (n=2 140) demographic and scale data from a large university (23,000+ students) were collected and analyzed. Dependent measures included grade point average (GPA) and perceived health. Results: Analyses confirmed the SWPS's 7-factor multidimensional structure and its use for describing and predicting associated outcomes. The analyses of frequency distributions, means, correlations, and regressions found significant relationships between measured health behaviors, perceived health, and GPA. Conclusions: The SWPS provides valid and reliable information about positive health potential for research and field health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]