Kids, Schools, & Health--Where Do We Stand? Results of the New Mexico 1991 Youth Risk Behavior and 1992 School Health Surveys.

This report describes the results of two statewide surveys: (1) The 1991 Youth Risk Behavior Survey; and (2) The 1992 New Mexico School Health Education Survey. These findings are intended to be used by educators across New Mexico to help focus the development of effective school-based comprehensive health education programs. Childrens' health problems arise from a few preventable behaviors, such as drinking and driving and unprotected sexual intercourse. Tobacco use, excessive consumption of fats, and insufficient physical activity are known to lead to diseases which do not manifest themselves until adulthood, but originate from habits formed during adolescence. Effective educational programs are needed to reduce these priority health risk behaviors. Schools provide the best avenue for such programs. The results presented in this report can be used to identify adolescent needs, aid in developing curricula to meet those needs, and design effective teacher training. This report should be shared among school administrators, teachers, parents, and the community to gain informed support for school-based programs that incorporate the principles and components of effective comprehensive health education. A health education program must be as comprehensive as possible and should incorporate a coordinated, collaborative effort among schools, families, and the community. Contains 44 references. (RJM)