Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “knowledge”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 991 records · Page 55Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Voluntary active euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide: knowledge and attitudes of Dutch medical students.

The objective of the study was to gain insight into the knowledge of and attitudes towards voluntary active euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide (EEDAS) of Dutch medical students, and to determine whether knowledge and attitudes change after a 1-day informative conference about EDAS. Data were collected by means of two self-administered questionnaires. Questionnaire 1 had to be completed before the start of the conference and questionnaire 2 after the conference. In both questionnaires, students were asked by means of two open-ended questions to define euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide. They were also asked to indicate which of eight statements met with the requirements for prudent practice. Finally, the students were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed with each of seven statements about attitudes towards EDAS. To determine if a selection occurred among students who returned both questionnaires, their background characteristics, and knowledge and attitudes towards EDAS were compared with those who returned only the first questionnaire. Forty-seven students returned only the first questionnaire, while both questionnaires were returned by 137 students. No differences were found between students who returned both questionnaires and those who returned only the first questionnaire with regard to age, religion, knowledge of and attitudes towards EDAS. Students' knowledge of the definitions of EDAS and the requirements for prudent practice improved significantly. Students' reactions to the statements on attitudes towards EDAS showed that a large majority had a fairly positive attitude towards EDAS. There was no significant difference before and after the conference. Male students and students with a religion were more opposed to EDAS than female students and students without a religion. The fact that the students' knowledge of EDAS improved after a 1-day conference does not imply sufficient understanding of the issue. Because EDAS is allowed only under strict conditions in the Netherlands, medical students require special training. Only then will they be equipped to deal with requests for EDAS during their future careers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Decoding, knowledge, and strategies in comprehension of expository text.

We examined the relative contribution of decoding, topic knowledge, and strategic processing to the comprehension of social science text in a sample of Norwegian junior high school students. Additionally, we examined the interaction of topic knowledge with strategic processing on students' text comprehension, and whether poor word-level skill could be effectively compensated for by higher-level processing involving knowledge or strategies. Multiple regression analysis indicated that students' prior knowledge about the topic of the text contributed most to their comprehension. Students' reported use of organization and monitoring strategies contributed less but still significantly to text comprehension, as did their word decoding skills. However, no interaction between topic knowledge and strategic processing was found. Analyses of variance and post-hoc comparison tests, supplemented by a descriptive analysis, suggested that the coexistence of poor decoding skill and good text comprehension may be related to much topic knowledge, good strategy use, or both.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Women's knowledge and attitudes, and the acceptability of voluntary antenatal HIV testing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnant women's knowledge of, and attitudes towards, antenatal HIV testing, and its acceptability to them. SETTING: Antenatal clinic at Guy's Hospital, London, six community antenatal clinics and a midwifery group practice. POPULATION: Eight hundred and forty-three women attending the antenatal clinics. METHOD: The women received a leaflet explaining HIV testing, and completed a questionnaire before and after their booking appointment. This included an assessment of their knowledge of, and attitudes towards HIV testing, and its acceptability. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-nine women (94%) completed questionnaires. Fifty-one percent (n = 405) were Caucasian, 25% (n = 195) African, 11% (n = 86) West Indian and 13% (n = 100) were from other ethnic groups. Fifty-eight percent received the HIV information leaflet, of whom 86% had read it. Knowledge relating to HIV was good, the median knowledge score being 6 out of a possible 8, but it was less in non-Caucasian women and those with lower educational qualifications. Knowledge was not related to uptake of testing. Thirty-five percent of women accepted the offer of an HIV test, rates being higher in hospital clinics (41%) than in the midwifery group practice (10%) and the community clinics (30%). Women more likely to accept the offer of an HIV test were non-Caucasian (P = 0.0443), those who had thought about the HIV test before this pregnancy (P = 0.0298) and those seeing one particular midwife (P = 0.0003). Most women (67%) thought that all pregnant women should be offered the HIV test and then make their own decision. Overall, 64% women did not change their original pre-discussion decision on testing for HIV. Thirty-six percent of women changed their decision from 'yes' to 'no' or 'don't know' after seeing the midwife. Women attending the community clinics (P = 0.003) and those who had been tested before (P = 0.0451) were more likely to change their decision. CONCLUSION: This study, in a multiethnic population, has shown that knowledge regarding HIV is good but does not increase the uptake of testing. Women prefer to be offered the HIV test and make their own choice regarding whether to accept it.

Africa↗
PubMed2006

Folic acid knowledge and use in a multi-ethnic pregnancy cohort: the role of language proficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of language proficiency as determinant of folic acid knowledge and use in a multi-ethnic pregnancy cohort. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND POPULATION: Pregnant women from Amsterdam attending obstetric care for their first antenatal visit. Number approached: 12,373 women, response rate: 67% (8266 women aged 14-49 years). Ethnicity was based on the country of birth: the Netherlands, Surinam, Antilles, Turkey, Morocco, Ghana, other non-Western and other Western countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge about and use of folic acid supplements in pregnancy as elicited in a multilingual questionnaire, as well as determinants of these in ethnic groups separately. RESULTS: Both periconceptional folic acid use and knowledge were significantly lower among Ghanaian, Moroccan, Turkish, and other non-Western women than among women born in the Netherlands or other Western countries. Language proficiency in Dutch was a major determinant of knowledge in all the ethnic groups with a mother tongue other than Dutch [adjusted odds ratios (OR): Western 3.2, non-Western (all countries combined) 7.5], while educational attainment was of secondary importance. Knowledge in turn was the strongest determinant of use (adjusted OR: Western 17.4, non-Western 27.0). CONCLUSIONS: Periconceptional folic acid supplement use among women born in non-Dutch-speaking non-Western countries is low, reflecting a lack of knowledge that is determined by the inability to speak and understand the language of the country of residence. Measures to tackle this problem include the provision of linguistically appropriate information via ethnic health advisors, and language courses integrating health education for immigrants.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Relationship between physician knowledge of hypertension and blood pressure control.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between physician knowledge of hypertension guidelines and blood pressure (BP) control. The authors evaluated a sample of primary care faculty (n=32) and a sample of their patients (n=613). When treating patients as independent observations, the authors found an inverse relationship (r=-0.524; p=0.002) where higher knowledge scores were associated with lower BP control. The authors conducted a multivariate analysis to accommodate the nonindependence due to random physician effects and found that there was no longer a significant association between knowledge and BP control, but there was still a trend (odds ratio=0.84; p=0.130). This study demonstrates that there is no evidence that high knowledge of hypertension guidelines will improve BP control rates and that higher knowledge may actually be associated with lower BP control. Strategies that are designed only to improve knowledge of hypertension guidelines are insufficient to improve BP control rates.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses toward perinatal substance abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses employed in perinatal nursing and to determine the relationships between selected demographic variables and registered nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward perinatal substance abuse. DESIGN: Descriptive, using a convenience sample. SETTING: Perinatal units at 10 hospitals on the west coast of Florida. PARTICIPANTS: 392 registered nurses employed on perinatal units. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Identification of knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses toward perinatal substance abuse, using the 34-item adapted Attitudes About Drug Abuse in Pregnancy (AADAP) questionnaire. RESULTS: Knowledge scores for the sample ranged from 6 to 18 (M = 12.14) out of a possible score of 20. Attitude scores ranged from 16 to 56 (M = 35.81) out of a possible range of 14 to 70. Scores at the lower end of the scale indicate punitive, negative attitudes. Significant relationships were found among several demographic variables and knowledge and attitude scores for the total sample. CONCLUSIONS: Registered nurses demonstrated limited knowledge about substance exposure, addiction, and its effects. They also held attitudes that were more punitive and negative than positive or supportive toward women who abused substances during the perinatal period.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Colorectal cancer screening and familial risk: a survey of internal medicine residents' knowledge and practice patterns.

OBJECTIVE: Risk stratification is essential to the appropriate use of colorectal cancer screening recommendations. The principal objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and screening behavior of internal medicine (IM) residents regarding familial colorectal cancer. METHODS: We conducted a survey of IM residents in their second and third year of postgraduate training from two university-based programs (n = 127). The survey instrument assessed physician knowledge of screening recommendations and current practices for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis, and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The instrument also elicited data regarding familial risk assessment, documentation, and notification of at-risk family members. RESULTS: Eighty-one IM eligible residents (81%) completed the survey. Most respondents identified a family history of colorectal cancer as an important factor in assessing colorectal cancer risk and appropriately implemented relevant screening recommendations. However, for patients with a family history of adenomatous polyps diagnosed before age 60 yr, knowledge and adherence to recommendations advocating screening at age 40 was relatively poor. More importantly, for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, respondents lacked the necessary risk assessment skills and knowledge to appropriately implement current recommendations. There were no consistent differences in knowledge or screening behavior when stratified on the basis of program site or postgraduate year status. CONCLUSION: Many IM residents are deficient in their knowledge, risk assessment skills, and screening practices for patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer. Effective educational strategies that promote awareness regarding familial risk, risk assessment skills, and appropriate use of relevant screening guidelines are needed.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1990

Association of dental health knowledge with periodontal conditions among regular patients.

Although routine patient education concerning periodontal disease is recommended as a means of improving oral health, strong associations between oral health knowledge and plaque or gingival inflammation scores have not been demonstrated. This study examined associations between four knowledge scales (likelihood of keeping teeth, signs of disease, role of diet, role of oral hygiene measures) and six periodontal status measures (plaque, gingivitis, calculus, probing depth, attachment loss, missing teeth) among 1088 regularly attending dental patients. In bivariate correlation analyses, there was a weak, direct association between stronger expectations of keeping teeth and better levels of periodontal health, while an inverse association between knowledge of signs of periodontal disease and better periodontal health was noted. Level of knowledge of the role of oral hygiene or of diet in periodontal disease was not associated with level of disease. When effects associated with age, sex, race, and different dental practices were held constant, these patient knowledge scales did not explain substantial proportions of variance in the periodontal disease measures. Among regular utilizers, the effects of receipt of dental care may be more determinative than level of patient knowledge.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Dental trauma management knowledge among a group of teachers in two south European cities.

The purpose of the present study is to assess the teachers' knowledge regarding dental trauma management in two south European cities. A three-part questionnaire comprised of questions on demographic data and knowledge was distributed to teachers in Porto and Istanbul. Seventy-eight teachers participated in the study; 23 had previously had formal dental trauma education. From the teachers interviewed, 58 of them admitted having no knowledge of dental trauma. Concerning knowledge, 29 teachers from Porto and 12 from Istanbul thought dental trauma emergency should be dealt with immediately. Knowledge of optimal storage media for avulsed permanent teeth was especially poor. In the present study, the majority of teachers did not know the importance of tetanus vaccine control in dental trauma. It is recommended that public education targeted at teachers should be carried out to increase dental trauma management knowledge.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Assessment of periodontal knowledge and periodontal status of an adult population in Jordan.

The aim of this study was to assess periodontal knowledge and periodontal status in 20-60-year-old adult population in northern Jordan. A convenient sample consisting of 722 adults was included in this study. A questionnaire incorporating items related to socio-demographic and periodontal knowledge questions was completed before clinical examination, using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The results showed that the proportions of subjects who reported bleeding gums, gums' irritation, rough tooth surface and gum disease decreased steadily with age, there is an evident linear trend with high statistical significant difference among various age groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the proportions of subjects who answered correctly the periodontal knowledge questions related to plaque definition and its role in disease aetiology and prevention, decreased with age, with a high significant difference for all knowledge questions (P < 0.001). The prevalence of subjects with healthy periodontium (score 0) decreased with age, being 41.1% among 20-29-year-old group and 11.1% in 50-60-year-old group. Similar trend was seen for bleeding on probing (score 1) whilst calculus deposit (score 2) was the major problem in all age groups over 29 years. The prevalence of periodontal pockets was relatively low, with a range of 4.5-18.6% for shallow pockets (score 3) and 2.9-11.1% for deep pockets in younger and older age groups, respectively. Younger age group had more healthy sextants than older age groups. In addition, sextants with bleeding on probing were highest in 20-29-year-old age group (1.8) compared with that in 50-60-year-old age group (0.60) whilst those with calculus deposits varied slightly among different age groups (1.50-1.65). Sextants affected by shallow or deep pockets increased steadily with age. Such a finding was also noted in excluded sextants, with an increase from 0.15 at 20-29 year-old group to 0.94 at the age of 50-60 years. It is concluded that health knowledge and status related to periodontal disease is still poor in northern Jordan. Therefore, dental health education provision is necessary to improve oral health knowledge and conditions among population in general and among older population in particular.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevention: an exploratory study of women's use of, attitudes toward, and knowledge about alcohol.

PURPOSE: The incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is increasing, even though it is 100% preventable. This study examined use of, knowledge about, and attitudes toward alcohol of women requesting emergency contraception (EC) and/or a pregnancy test, and evaluated whether a brief intervention would be effective in educating them about the risks of FASD. DATA SOURCES: Fifty women from two outpatient clinics participated. Information was collected on demographic and personal health habits, alcohol use, and knowledge of and attitudes toward alcohol. As a brief intervention to increase knowledge about FASD, participants read a short pamphlet about the risks of alcohol exposure in pregnancy and then completed a post-test questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, and skewness, were calculated for all variables. Pearson correlations were computed to assess relationships between demographic/lifestyle variables and attitudes toward and knowledge about alcohol. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the relationship between pretest and post-test knowledge scores. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants were single (76%), college educated (94%), and received EC at the clinic visit (60%). The average age was 24 years. Slightly over half (52%) reported drinking beer at least once a week, with one to six cans on occasion. Younger women expressed more tolerant attitudes toward alcohol use (p= .02) and drank significantly more beer on occasion (p= .015). Women who reported drinking alcohol when they last had sex were significantly (p= .017) less tolerant in their attitudes toward alcohol use. The intervention used in this study was effective in communicating knowledge about FASD to this population (p < .0001). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings suggest that young women may be engaging in behaviors that could put potential offspring at risk for exposure to alcohol. Clinicians are advised to take a thorough history to determine alcohol use in all women of childbearing age and to provide information regarding FASD prevention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

A meta-analysis examining effects of school sexuality education programs on adolescents' sexual knowledge, 1960-1997.

This study analyzed and synthesized findings from selected studies conducted from 1960 through 1997 regarding effects of school sexuality education on adolescents' sexual knowledge. This purpose was achieved using meta-analysis. Sixty-seven studies that met the selection criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The 67 studies reported 72 outcomes regarding sexual knowledge, which were grouped into six independent variables related to knowledge about sexuality. A weighted effect size method developed by Hedges and Olkin was calculated using all studies. For all studies, 97% of weighted effect sizes were positive. The weighted average effect size on sexual knowledge across all studies of 0.41 was statistically significant, indicating a significant difference occurred between control and experimental groups' mastery of objectives related to sexual knowledge. It was concluded that sexuality education programs positively affect overall sexual knowledge.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Sexual knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors of students in Turkey.

This survey produced baseline information about student knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), their sexual attitudes, and their behavior to help establish control and education programs. The study was conducted at Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, during the 1999-2000 academic year. A total of 2,217 first- and fourth-year students determined by stratified sampling constituted the study group. All students who volunteered to participate completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and knowledge factors, sexual attitudes, behavior, and history of STDs. The rate of students having had sexual experience was 36.6%. Males were more sexually active than females. Most students (71.4%) began sexual activity at ages 15-19 without any difference by gender. Males reported significantly more sexual partners than females. Similarly, the rate of male students never using condoms was significantly higher than females. Condom was the most frequent contraception method, followed by oral contraceptives and withdrawal. Mean score on the knowledge questions was 16.29 (highest score 30). The most widely known STD was HIV infection and AIDS. Students' knowledge of transmission routes, signs and symptoms, and risk groups of STDs was insufficient. Main sources of knowledge were visual and print media, and friends. Most students (84.7%) viewed prevention from STDs as a person's own responsibility. Young people in Turkey are sexually active and tend to engage in high-risk behavior. However, their knowledge on sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases is insufficient. Study results suggest a need for implementation of STD control programs and provision of school sexuality education for adolescents and young adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Knowledge of oral cancer and screening practices of primary care providers at Federally Qualified Health Centers.

OBJECTIVES: Primary care providers (PCPs) who worked in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Michigan were surveyed to assess their knowledge level and practices related to screening and preventing oral cancer. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed with the assistance of dental and medical experts, and revised through focus groups. The questionnaire included one case scenario describing a suspicious oral lesion in a 55-year old female patient, followed by questions assessing PCPs' knowledge level, attitude, opinion, and screening practices for oral cancer. This mail survey was conducted in 2003. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 56.4%. Over 70% of the respondents reported that they screen patients for oral cancer during a routine physical examination. Forty-four percent of PCPs had high knowledge level, based on the scenario questions. Those who had high knowledge level were more likely to be physicians, males, and more likely to perform screening for oral cancer than those with low knowledge level. There was no difference in age and race/ethnicity between high and low knowledge groups. Perceived barriers included (1) lack of education; (2) lack of specialists to refer patients; and (3) lack of reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PCPs in this survey had positive attitudes about performing screening for oral cancer. To involve PCPs in screening for oral cancer, oral health programs should focus on providing up-to-date education, setting up a referral system, and providing proper reimbursement.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of female collegiate athletes.

Female athletes often engage in harmful dietary and weight control practices that can impair bone health and hinder performance. To promote related positive health behavior practices, nutrition educators may be more effective if they understand the osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among female athletes. A questionnaire including items related to osteoporosis and dietary calcium knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral practices was administered to 114 female collegiate athletes (19.6+/-1.4 years). Self-reported intakes of dairy product consumption were also obtained; subjects were asked how many times per week they drank milk and ate cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. The mean score for osteoporosis knowledge was 7.1+/-1.9 (out of 10 items). The mean score for favorable responses to attitude items was 2.1+/-0.8 (out of 3 items). Correct responses to dietary calcium knowledge items were 2.2+/-0.7 (out of 3 items). On average, subjects consumed 2.4+/-1.6 servings of dairy products per day; 31% of subjects consumed the recommended 3 or more servings per day. Osteoporosis knowledge, osteoporosis attitudes, and dietary calcium knowledge were not correlated (p > .05) with dairy product intake. Because of the importance of achieving a high peak bone mass to prevent osteoporosis, our data suggest that further research is needed regarding other factors that might influence dairy product intake among female athletes.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding hydration and fluid replacement of collegiate athletes.

The purpose of this study was to determine collegiate athletes' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning hydration and fluid replacement. A survey containing questions pertaining to demographics and knowledge, attitude, and behavior on hydration and fluid replacement was distributed to the athletes during team meetings and practices. A total of 139 out of 171 (81.3%) athletes participated in the study. The mean age of the athletes was 19.8 y. The mean score for knowledge, attitude, and behavior was 13.9 +/-1.8, 9.8 +/- 2.2, and 12.4 +/- 2.5, respectively, with higher scores indicating positive hydration knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores (P < 0.05). Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the reported hydration behaviors between skilled (11.79 +/- 2.08) and endurance (12.71 +/- 2.63) athletes. Most athletes correctly answered the general hydration questions on the survey, but the majority did not correctly answer statements in regards to National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stands and lacked knowledge regarding appropriate use of sports drink. The results of this study identify specific areas of education for athletes with regards to hydration.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The general public's knowledge and perceptions about rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: In the Netherlands, the mass media pay little attention to rheumatic diseases. For this reason, it might be assumed that in general people know very little about rheumatic diseases and thus have an unrealistic image of them. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the general public's knowledge and perceptions regarding rheumatic diseases in the Netherlands. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent by mail to a random sample of 1800 Dutch homes; the response was 658. Questions mainly focused on knowledge, attitudes, behavioural intentions and use of the mass media with regard to rheumatic diseases. RESULTS: The respondents gave the right answer to a mean of 8.2 statements out of 17 true/false statements regarding factual knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Respondents particularly underestimated the prevalence of rheumatic diseases and were unaware of several rheumatic disorders. Most respondents had rarely used the mass media to gain information about rheumatic diseases, but they did show a moderate interest in acquiring information. Knowledge correlated positively with the respondents' level of education, acquaintance with rheumatic patients, and use of the mass media. Knowledge correlated negatively with the idea that rheumatic patients are themselves able to influence the course of their disease. In general, respondents judged rheumatic diseases to be rather serious but did not feel very frightened or vulnerable of becoming a rheumatic patient. Fear of rheumatic diseases correlated positively with interest in information about rheumatic diseases, intentions of visiting a doctor if experiencing rheumatic complaints and helping rheumatic patients in daily life. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the public in general do not know very much about rheumatic diseases, but they do have a moderate desire for more information about them. Furthermore, they do not feel frightened of being confronted with a rheumatic disorder. More information about rheumatic diseases in the media might lead to better knowledge and perception of rheumatic diseases among the general public.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Health and cancer prevention: knowledge and beliefs of children and young people.

OBJECTIVE: To collect information from children and young people about their knowledge of and attitudes towards cancer and their understanding of health and health related behaviours to inform future health promotion work. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of 15-16 year olds, and interviews with play materials with 9-10 year old children. SETTING: Six inner city, suburban, and rural schools. SUBJECTS: 226 children aged 15-16 years and 100 aged 9-10 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge about different types of cancer; beliefs about health; sources of information; quality of research data obtainable from young children about cancer and health. RESULTS: Both samples knew most about lung cancer, but there was also some knowledge of breast and skin cancer and leukaemia. Smoking, together with pollution and other environmental factors, were seen as the dominant causes of cancer. Environmental factors were mentioned more often by the inner city samples. Television and the media were the most important sources of information. Young people were more worried about unemployment than about ill health. More than half the young people did not describe their health as good, and most said they did not have a healthy lifestyle. Children were able to provide detailed information about their knowledge and understanding by using drawings as well as interviews. CONCLUSIONS: Children and young people possess considerable knowledge about cancer, especially about lung cancer and smoking, and show considerable awareness of predominant health education messages. Despite this knowledge, many lead less than healthy lifestyles. Health is not seen as the most important goal in life by many young people; the circumstances in which many children and young people live are not experienced as health promoting.

Adolescent↗