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.

* 2021 YRBSS data is available and can be requested by emailing Katie.Long@health.mo.gov. The 2021 data and statistical report is in progress and will be posted soon.