Description

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a national survey conducted in the United States to assess behaviors and practices that impact the health and well-being of adolescents. The YRBS-86, conducted in 1986, includes questions related to risks such as alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use, sexual behavior, and other practices that can affect the health of youth.

Analysis

The analysis of YRBS data involves:
Data Collection: Respondents answer questions about their habits and behaviors. Data is collected through questionnaires distributed in schools or other educational settings.
Statistical Processing: Responses are analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and relationships between different behaviors. This may involve descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analysis.
Comparison with Previous Data: The YRBS-86 data is compared with data from previous and subsequent years to track changes in behaviors and identify trends.

Use of Data

YRBS data are used for:
Policy and Intervention Development: Policymakers and public health officials use the data to develop policies and programs aimed at reducing risky behaviors and improving youth health.
Health Program Evaluation: YRBS allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of health
programs and interventions that have been implemented.
Research Analysis: Researchers use the data to conduct studies on the causes and consequences of risky behaviors and to better understand the factors affecting youth.

Objective

The primary goal of the YRBS is to understand risky behaviors among youth so that strategies and interventions can be developed to improve public health. Objectives include assessing trends in risky behaviors, understanding factors associated with these behaviors, and promoting the health and well-being of young people.

Calibration

The calibration of YRBS data involves evaluating the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. This may include using statistical tools to measure the accuracy and consistency of the questions, as well as reviewing the questionnaires to adjust them for research needs.

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (1986). Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Brener, N. D., & Kann, L. (2002). The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System: A Brief Review. Journal of School Health, 72(7), 282-288.
Eaton, D. K., et al. (2008). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2007. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 57(SS-4), 1-131.
Kann, L., et al. (2004). Health-risk behaviors among adolescents who do and do not attend school. Journal of School Health, 74(6), 203-209.