The authors evaluated sexual behaviors, drug use, and AIDS knowledge among Cleveland runaways (N = 108). Results indicated variable rates of risky sexual behaviors, minimal illicit drug use, and high levels of knowledge about true behavioral risks for HIV infection. These runaways demonstrated less frequent health-compromising sexual behavior and drug use compared to runaways described in other studies. Assumptions should not be made that all runaway youths engage in an unusually high rate of risky behaviors.

Thirty-four African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian community-dwelling elders were invited to attend three ten-minute informational sessions. Following the sessions, participants were invited to take part in focus groups to determine the best format for presenting information. Flip charts, transparencies on an overhead projector, and Microsoft PowerPoint presentation software were used to present the material, one format for each topic. Individuals were then asked to rate the different formats, and to provide open-ended feedback about accessibility, novelty, visual preferences, and efficacy of material presentation. Participant feedback was tape recorded and later transcribed. Participants overwhelmingly preferred the PowerPoint presentation on every dimension. Participants were paid $10.00 for their time.

No abstract

This article identifies a convenience sample of 14 memory-enhancing herbal products that were found to be available commercially, examines their active ingredients, states their claims, and evaluates the available evidence to determine their efficacy. The analyses identified four problematic areas. First, a majority of the products use cognitive terminology, which leads consumers to anticipate an intended cognitive benefit. Second, some ingredients are completely homeopathic and contain components not known outside of the homeopathic field. Third, the evidence of treatment efficacy is often contradictory, because products are recommended for purposes other than cognitive or memory loss. Finally, the manufacturers of the product have usually conducted the research on individual products. Until more research is available, it is suggested that holistic nursing professionals exercise caution in recommending nutraceuticals to their patients/clients for the use of cognitive improvement or memory enhancement.

The circumstances under which people drink are complex and were not evaluated in this study. Therefore, rather than endorsing drinking behavior, these findings suggest that future research might examine why elders make the decision to drink, the circumstances that predispose women to drink (alone/with others), and other qualities that characterize female drinkers over the age of 65.