Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1989

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Major

Health Promotion and Health Education

Major Professor

Robert J. Pursley

Committee Members

Bill C. Wallace, Robert N. Kirk, Sigmund C. Dietz

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the selfreported health risk factors of adolescents participating in the summer programs of the North Carolina Governor's School West and the North Carolina Leadership Schools during the summer of 1987, and to provide baseline data on the selfreported health risks of adolescents with respect to specific demographic, social and economic characteristics of the adolescent and his or her family.

This descriptive research project utilized a computerized self-reported survey to gather data. The Teen Wellness Check developed by the State of Rhode Island Department of Health was the survey instrument employed in this research project.

The composite health risk scores of the 514 Leadership and 219 Governor's School West participants ages 15-18 were on the average categorized as excellent by the Teen Wellness Check health risk assessment program. Individual health risks reported by adolescents included the major risk areas of poor eating habits and food choices, no use of dental floss, lack of aerobic exercise and recreation, poor safety habits particularly driving above the speed limit, high stress, lack of knowledge and practices to prevent breast cancer, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and drug abuse (including alcohol).

Lack of knowledge of areas related to prevention of breast cancer, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse was found to have been reported by adolescents ages 13-15 attending the North Carolina Leadership Schools more often than those adolescents ages 16-18 attending the same Leadership School programs.

The major risk areas of alcohol consumption and high speed driving were found to have been reported among those adolescents ages 15-18 attending the Governor's School West summer program more often than for adolescents age 15-18 attending the North Carolina Leadership Schools. The age, sex, ethnic group, and the father's education appear to have been significant factors regarding the overall risk-taking behavior of adolescents attending the Leadership Schools.

The spending levels and grades made during the past two years appear to have been significant factors regarding the overall risk-taking behavior of adolescents attending the Governor's School West.

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