Youth risk behavior surveillance--selected steps communities, 2005

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Unhealthy dietary behaviors, physical inactivity, and tobacco use are significant contributors to chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and asthma.
• These risk factors often originate in childhood and adolescence, persisting into adulthood and are preventable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of health-risk behaviors and conditions among high school students in 15 communities participating in the Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program (Steps Program).
• To utilize data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) for program planning and decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Surveys were conducted among students in grades 9-12 in 15 Steps communities during January-May 2005.
• A modified YRBSS core questionnaire was used, collecting data on dietary behaviors, physical activity, tobacco use, and prevalence of overweight, diabetes, and asthma.

Main Results:

• A substantial proportion of adolescents engaged in risk behaviors: 80.1%-85.2% did not consume fruits and vegetables 5+ times/day.
• Overweight prevalence ranged from 6.6% to 19.6%, with 53.7%-95.1% not attending physical education daily.
• Cigarette smoking prevalence in the 30 days prior to the survey ranged from 9.2% to 26.5%.

Conclusions:

• Despite variations across communities, a significant percentage of high school students exhibit behaviors that increase their risk for chronic diseases.
• Data from YRBSS will inform program planning, enhance technical assistance, and guide strategic collaborations to address these health risks.