Youth risk behavior surveillance--United States, 1997

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Priority health-risk behaviors established in youth contribute to leading causes of mortality and morbidity.
• These behaviors often persist into adulthood and are interrelated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To monitor six categories of priority health-risk behaviors among youth and young adults using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS).
• To summarize findings from the 1997 national school-based survey, alongside state, territorial, and local surveys.

Main Methods:

• The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) collected data from high school students nationwide.
• Surveys were conducted between February and May 1997, including national, state, territorial, and local components.

Main Results:

• In 1997, significant percentages of high school students reported behaviors increasing risks for leading causes of death (e.g., seat belt non-use, riding with drinking drivers, weapon carrying, alcohol and marijuana use, suicide attempts).
• Data also indicated high rates of sexual behaviors contributing to unintended pregnancies and STDs (including HIV), and drug injection.
• Prevalence of behaviors linked to adult diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer (e.g., smoking, low fruit/vegetable intake, physical inactivity) was also reported.

Conclusions:

• YRBSS data are crucial for informing national, state, and local policies and programs aimed at reducing health risks among youth.
• These data are utilized to track progress toward national health objectives and educational goals.