Youth Risk Behavior Survey
CONTACTDeveloped by the Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire reflects input from several hundred professionals across the country. These professionals represented state and local education and health agencies, national organizations, and experts in each of the major topic areas measured by the survey.
The YRBS is a questionnaire consisting of items that assess the six priority health-risk behaviors that result in the greatest amount of morbidity, mortality, and social problems among youth. These behaviors fall into six categories: behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies; dietary behavior; and physical activity.
A random sample of approximately 1,800 South Dakota students in grades 9-12 completes the questionnaire every two years. All public, private, and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools in South Dakota containing any students in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 are eligible to be selected for inclusion in the survey. Ungraded and out-of-school programs are excluded.
This direct measurement of priority health risk behaviors can be used not only to determine the level of risk that exists among our adolescent population, but to assist us in developing resources and planning successful interventions that can positively impact the behavior of South Dakota youth.
CONTACT
Karen Keyser, Health and Physical Education Specialist, 605-773-6808
Amy Beshara, HIV Prevention Coordinator, 605-773-6898