This thesis focused on the development of a curriculum guide for a cancer awareness program for older men. The background of the problem -- a lack of programs for older men -- and the methods used in developing the guide are detailed in Chapter One. The second chapter consists of current information on disease prevention, aging and cancer with the emphasis on age-related changes and learning needs of older adult men. Chapter Three is the completed instructor's curriculum guide, and the final chapter includes recommendations on implementing the program as part of a community wellness program. The guide could also be used in senior centers, hospital educational programs, or adapted for use in staff inservices.

A random sample of 365 students attending a university in northern Texas returned a mailed questionnaire measuring the students' knowledge of Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), their perceived susceptibility to AIDS, and their sexual practices during the last year. The students had high knowledge levels about AIDS in general. However, 70% did not worry about getting AIDS. Collectively, there was a display of concern until it became a personal issue. The students (59%) saw themselves as less likely than most people to get AIDS. Although 70% of this sexually active group did not use condoms, they still did not perceive themselves as susceptible to AIDS.

The use of smokeless tobacco products is increasing among teenagers and young adults in the United States. Community health professionals play a vital role in educating the public about these products, and in this regard the dental hygienist is of critical importance. This study evaluated the knowledge and attitudes towards smokeless tobacco among a representative sample of dental hygiene students in the United States. The dental hygiene schools were divided into six geographical regions and a total of 34 schools and 722 students participated. Seniors were found to score significantly higher than non-seniors both in knowledge and attitude. Furthermore, some significant differences in attitude were discovered between regions. In general, students scored poorly on both knowledge and attitude despite reporting having received classroom instruction on smokeless tobacco.

In response to a NCAA ruling, North Texas State University (NTSU) launched a comprehensive drug testing, drug education and counseling program for its athletes effective August 1, 1986. This study assessed and compared NTSU student-athlete and student alcohol and drug use. In addition, attitudes toward a variety of sports-related drug topics, including mandatory athletic drug testing, were assessed and compared. The study revealed significant differences between student-athletes and students in drug use of the following: steroids, marijuana, cocaine, psychedelics, and amphetamines. Both groups favored mandatory drug testing of athletes.

This study compared the sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes of college students. Utilizing the Sex Knowledge Inventory - Form Y and the Valois Sexual Attitudes Questionnaire, data was gathered from 203 students. Analysis of the data concluded no significant differences between the sexual knowledge of or the sexual attitudes of male and female subjects. A significant difference, at .01, was found between the attitudes of subjects scoring either low or high in sexual knowledge. Individuals with lower knowledge expressed less accepting sexual attitudes, while those with higher knowledge expressed more accepting sexual attitudes. Lastly, the correlation of sexual knowledge with attitude indicated a positive association to exist between high sexual knowledge and various' sexual topics.

This study was to determine if the importance assigned by health educators (judges) to components of corporate health promotion programs is the same as or different from program components most frequently offered by corporations for employees. This involved establishing a list of program components that judges felt were important for wellness programs and comparing this list with programs actually existing in polled corporations. A literature review was used to establish an initial list of program components. Thirty-eight judges returned questionnaires incorporating the list. A Spearman's rho and scattergram were used to test for correlations between judges' opinions and corporate practices. The report concludes that no correlation exists but that there is agreement among the judges polled that corporations should promote employee wellness programs.

The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between the American College Test (ACT) sub-test scores, nursing courses' grade point average, college cumulative grade point average and the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) sub-test scores. Data from 227 nurses were analyzed utilizing three procedures: Pearson product-moment coefficient; multiple correlation coefficient; and linear regression equations. Conclusions were that several ACT sub-test scores could yield useful information on admission; the college cumulative grade point average was the most reliable indicator of success on the SBTPE; and an ACT composite score of eleven was the minimum value required to pass the SBTPE sub-tests with a score of at least 350.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Denton County Safety Education Program. Subjects were 117 driving-while-intoxicated offenders who completed this alcohol reeducation program between June 1975 to June 1976. Questionnaires were used as evaluative measures. Data were analyzed in three steps: 1) two two-way ANOVAs with one repeated measure; 2) two Pearson product moment correlations; and 3) a Fisher's Z test. Conclusions of the investigation were that (1) both problem and non-problem drinkers benefited from the program; (2) change of attitude was an important factor in reducing recidivism; and (3) the program was successful in meeting its goals as a means of influencing drinking and driving behavior.

The problem of this study was to review within Dallas and Tarrant Counties the relationship between an "influenza-like" illness within six months prior to contracting Mycobacterium kansasii disease. An interview instrument was developed and used during personal interviews to collect data. Additional data of case rates and reported cases was compiled from local and national governmental public health agencies. Analysis of the data indicated no significant difference between an individual contracting an "influenzalike" illness within six months prior to the acquiring of Mycobacterium kansasii disease. Therefore, there is no relationship between having had influenza-like symptoms within six months of contracting Mycobacteria kansasii.

The problem of the investigation was to determine the knowledge gain and the attitude change in females attending a contraception education program conducted by the Denton County Chapter of the Planned Parenthood Association of Northeast Texas. The sample population consisted of 75 females attending a Planned Parenthood contraception education program. A pre-test, post-test, and delayed test format was utilized in the study. The study concluded that the contraception education program did not significantly increase contraception knowledge of females attending Planned Parenthood. The investigation also concluded that the program did not significantly change the contraception attitudes of females in the investigation. However, there was a significant contraception knowledge gain one month following initial program exposure.