Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six types of health-risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults, including:

  • Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
  • Sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection
  • Alcohol and other drug use
  • Tobacco use
  • Unhealthy dietary behaviors
  • Inadequate physical activity

YRBSS also measures the prevalence of obesity and asthma among high school students.

YRBSS includes national and state surveys of high school students and is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For additional information about the YRBSS, go to the CDC website.

Method

YRBSS data are collected from randomly selected classes of students in randomly selected public high schools (grades 9-12). A weight is associated with each survey administration to reflect the likelihood of sampling each student and to reduce bias by compensating for differing patterns of non-response. The weighted results may be used to make important inferences concerning health risk behaviors of all regular public school students in grades 9 through 12.

For additional details on the YRBSS methodology, go to the CDC website.

Questionaires

CDC developed standardized questions that are used by states and also by CDC in administering a national YRBS that allows comparison of state and national data. Data are collected on the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of youth.

Data Elements

CDC developed standardized questions that are used by states and also by CDC in administering a national YRBS that allows comparison of state and national data. Data are collected on the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of youth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), administers biennial school-based surveys to measure health issues that may be affecting Missouri youth.

Why is the survey conducted?

DHSS is responsible for identifying and monitoring factors that may affect the health of our youth. Missouri uses the results from the surveys to (1) monitor priority health risk behaviors among middle and high school students over time; (2) evaluate the impact of broad, national, state, and local efforts to prevent risk behaviors; and (3) improve school health education policies and programs.

Will students’ names be used or linked to the surveys?

No. The survey has been designed to protect your child’s privacy. Students do not put their name nor any other identifying information (such as a school ID number) on the survey.

Do students take the survey more than once to see how their behaviors change?

No. Each year a new sample of schools and students is picked. Students who take part one year cannot be tracked because their names are not on the survey.

How was my child picked to be in the survey?

A class your child is in was selected randomly to participate, and all students in that class are being asked to participate.

Do students answer questions truthfully?

Research indicates data of this nature may be gathered as reliably from adolescents as from adults. Internal reliability checks help to identify the small percentage of students who falsify their answers. To obtain truthful answers, students must perceive the survey as important and know that procedures have been followed to protect their privacy and allow for anonymous participation.

What about parental consent?

Parents must be directly notified about the survey and are allowed to indicate if they do not want their child to participate. Forms will be supplied to the school and sent home with students for this purpose.

When will the surveys be conducted?

The YRBS survey is typically conducted in the spring of odd-numbered years. The state survey coordinator will work with schools to schedule the survey at a time that works best for the schools—preferably between January 21 and April 26—prior to the administration of state assessments.

Are sensitive questions asked?

Yes. Questions are asked about the following topics: HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), attempted suicide, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, and weapon-carrying. Questions are written in a straightforward yet sensitive manner. These questions are asked to aid in learning if youth are at risk.

Does asking students survey questions about health risk behaviors increase the likelihood that they will practice those behaviors?

There is no evidence that asking these questions will lead to an increase in the likelihood that youth will practice risky behaviors. To help solve health problems among youth, we need to understand their unique experiences and perspectives. The YRBS provides an anonymous tool to gather that information.

Where can I find additional information or see a copy of the survey my student will be asked?

Please contact the state survey coordinator:

YRBS Coordinator
Lisa Giles
Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Giles@health.mo.gov
(573) 522-2885

Infographics

2021