Numerous studies have identified teen health risk behaviors such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, poor eating habits, and sexual activities that place them at higher risk for future health problems including accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, and various chronic diseases. Programs to reduce teen health risk behaviors are often school-based and occur in the traditional classroom lecture format. Although these programs may be beneficial, a demonstration project was undertaken to develop innovative interactive health promotion strategies and activities for teens. A partnership between a school of nursing within a post-secondary public institution of higher education and area secondary schools was established for the purpose of using WEB technology to: construct a repository of health-related information for use by school administrators, teachers, and students; permit access to a health risk appraisal tool that furnishes personal feedback; provide confidential online consulting by health promotion experts; and offer a monitored online discussion group focused on the exchange ideas and strategies that support teen health behaviors. Based on a study of the health risk behaviors of the area teens, the initial focus of this project is on tobacco use. Through this networking of administrators, teachers, students, and health experts, area teens will be provided with a unique forum for addressing tobacco-related health risk behaviors and for supporting their efforts in making healthier choices. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the development of the school-based network; the methods for collecting and assembling resources; and the techniques for creating the WEB interface. See teennet.binghamton.edu
Learning Objectives: EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: 1. Describe the process of creating a school-based network for teen health promotion. 2. Explain methods for collecting and assembling resources that can be employed in constructing a repository of health-related information on the Internet. 3. Identify strategies and techniques for developing a WEB interface that appeals to teens and addresses their health-information needs.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.