Sexual health behaviors and sexual orientation in a U.S. national sample of college students.

Many studies have examined differences in sexual behavior based on sexual orientation with results often indicating that those with same-sex partners engage in higher risk sexual behavior than people with opposite sex partners. However, few of these studies were large, national sample studies that also include those identifying as unsure. To address that gap, this study examined the relationship of sexual orientation and sexual health outcomes in a national sample of U.

Sexual orientation and differences in mental health, stress, and academic performance in a national sample of U.S. college students.

This study examined the relationships of mental health issues and sexual orientation in a national sample of college students. Using the Fall 2009 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment, responses from heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students (N = 27,454) relating to mental health issues and impact of these issues on academics were examined. The findings indicate that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students consistently reported higher levels of mental health issues and a more frequent impact on academics because of these issues than heterosexual students.

Letting students be innovative! Using mini-grants to fund student-designed HIV/AIDS education.

This article describes a project designed to use student leaders to increase the awareness of HIV/AIDS among college students. Student organizations apply for a competitive mini-grant that is used to increase their members' knowledge level about HIV/AIDS and increase the likelihood of individuals' practicing behaviors that would reduce the risk of transmission or contraction. Four student organizations receive funds to design a unique HIV/ AIDS prevention intervention that match its members' needs for a total of 126 individuals receiving HIV/AIDS education.

Diabetes risk, low fitness, and energy insufficiency levels among children from poor families.

Background: Low-income populations have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and it is the hope of the investigators to increase support for the dissemination of evidence-based prevention programs aimed at children from poor families.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of high blood glucose, obesity, low fitness, and energy insufficiency levels among children from poor families.

Design: The cross-sectional study conducted in fall 2001 used fasting capillary glucose, body mass index, body fat, step test, and three 24-hour dietary recalls to assess diabetes risk factor levels.