Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Fact Sheet and State Survey Results
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is one component of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States.
Health risk behaviors are often established during childhood and early adolescence. These behaviors are identified by the CDC as unintentional and intentional injuries, tobacco use, unhealthy dietary behaviors, physical inactivity, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors/STD’s/HIV/AIDS/unintended pregnancies and violence/injury.
Tennessee began participating in the YRBS survey in 1991. The state receives both technical assistance and financial support from the CDC to conduct the YRBS. Students in grades 9-12 are surveyed in the spring of odd numbered years. The survey is voluntary and completely anonymous. When participation rates are high among selected schools, the results of the YRBS may be generalized to all students in the state in grades 9-12. The Office of Coordinated School Health administers the 87 question survey to approximately 1500 students. In addition, a middle school YRBS is administered in ten coordinated school health pilot systems throughout the state.
The following years are available:
Governor Bill Haslam
