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This project assessed the impact of a school-based AIDS prevention program on student participation in sexual risk and protective behaviors such as use of condoms and use of condoms with foam and intention to participate in such behaviors. The paper focuses on students who became sexually active for the first time between the seventh and eighth grade ('changers,' n = 312). The school-based intervention was developed using social cognitive theory and the social influences model of behavior change. Using an experimental, longitudinal design, 15 high-risk school districts were divided randomly into two treatment (10 districts) and one control (five districts) conditions. Students in both treatment conditions received a 10-lesson classroom program in the seventh grade with a five-lesson booster in the eighth grade, while control students received basic AIDS education (current practice in their districts) in compliance with state mandates. Results indicated classroom programs had an impact on certain protective behaviors and on frequency of sexual activity the past month. Post-intervention measures also indicated the program affected students' intentions to perform specific protective behaviors. (J Sch Health. 1995;65(4):145-151), One major challenge in the battle to slow the spread of HIV, the pathogen that causes AIDS, involves reducing the risk behaviors in young adolescents. However, because the number of [...]

This paper examines levels of participation in and correlates of AIDS-related risk behavior for young adolescents in high-risk communities as determined by proxy indicators such as rates of reported STDs and adolescent pregnancies. Seventh and eighth grade students from two middle schools and ninth grade students from the receiving high school were surveyed. Descriptive and inferential techniques examined grade, racial, behavioral, and gender differences in participation in risk (substance use and sexual activity) and protective (use of condoms and use of condoms and foam) behaviors. Grade, race, and sexual activity were significant correlates of both licit and illicit drug use. Gender, grade, race, and licit and illicit drug use were significant correlates of sexual activity. Results demonstrate that not only are adults and older teens at risk in these communities, but younger adolescents also are at risk. Findings indicate a need for comprehensive HIV prevention programs at younger ages. (J Sch Health. 1995;65(1):28-32), A compelling case has been made by researchers and health care providers that adolescents are a major risk group for transmission and spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).[1-4] Although [...]

Objective: To investigate changes in emergency nursing workload related to cannabis ingestion or inhalation by adult and pediatric patients in states and bordering states where recreational cannabis is legal. Design: Qualitative exploratory design using data collected from focus groups. Sample: Twenty‐four English‐speaking emergency nurses over the age of 18 who provide direct care to patients and work in US emergency departments located in a state, or bordering state, where recreational cannabis use is legal. Measurements: Qualitative data were gathered using a semi‐structured interview format and analyzed using situational analysis. Results: The legalization of recreational cannabis in some US states is reported as resulting in an increase in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting syndromes, and increased difficulty in managing both associated behaviors and repetitive ED presentations. New presentations also include unintentional intoxication in both pediatric and geriatric populations. An unexpected finding was the displacement of local homeless populations by younger, indigent "cannabis tourists"; social services agencies might consider this while planning for cannabis legalization in their state or territory. Conclusions: To protect public health and safety, regulatory efforts to standardize the formulation, dosing and labeling of cannabis products would be beneficial along with educational initiatives for both consumers and health care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]