Overview and Methods for the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System - United States, 2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors health-risk behaviors among high school students nationwide.
• Previous YRBSS iterations provided essential data but required methodological updates to address emerging health concerns and improve data precision for specific populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the methodological changes implemented in the 2023 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
• To outline enhancements in sampling, data collection, and questionnaire content for the 2023 YRBS.
• To inform public health practitioners and researchers on utilizing updated YRBSS data for trend analysis and intervention development.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of a supplemental sample for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students.
• Transition from paper-based to tablet-based electronic data collection to expedite processing.
• Addition of new questionnaire items focusing on social media use, racism, adverse childhood experiences, transgender identity, consent, and school discipline.

Main Results:

• The 2023 YRBS incorporated a stratified sampling design for enhanced AI/AN representation.
• Electronic data collection facilitated more efficient data processing and reduced turnaround time.
• New survey modules captured crucial data on contemporary adolescent health issues.

Conclusions:

• The methodological updates to the 2023 YRBS improve the precision of national health behavior estimates, particularly for AI/AN youth.
• The adoption of electronic surveys and expanded questionnaire content allow for more timely and comprehensive monitoring of adolescent health.
• YRBSS data remains a vital resource for public health surveillance, guiding targeted interventions to improve youth well-being.