Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

State Policies For Health Education In Public Schools, Lynda K. Vu

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Federal and state governmental activities have significantly influenced schools’ health education practices over the past 50 years. Evaluation of these initiatives in the scientific literature has enhanced development of health education and influenced the creation of the National Health Education Standards (NHES). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts periodic surveys to evaluate the impact of state and local policies on school health education programs and practices.

Objectives: This research project reviews and analyzes state health education policies for the 50 states plus the District of Columbia with regard to the recommendations of the NHES. It also …

Gender Differences In Risk Behaviors Of Adolescents Enrolled In An Inner City Charter High School, Kimbra Dent

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Adolescents engage in health risk behaviors (Grunbaum, 2001). Persons engaging in high‐risk behaviors during adolescence have disproportionally poor health as adults (Grunbaum et al., 2003; Resnick et al., 1997). Adolescents comprise a target group for health promotion and education programs to establish healthy lifestyle choices that transcend into adulthood. The purpose of this descriptive research study was to identify, analyze, and compare the health interests and health risk behaviors between male and female inner city, adolescent, charter high school students. The study served as a needs assessment before a health promotion and education program was implemented into the high school. …