CDC Releases the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

June 5, 2008 - On June 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released results from the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).  The data reveal that the nation’s high school students are showing overall improvements in health-related behaviors, that is, they are less likely to engage in many health risk behaviors than high school students in the early 1990s.  However, results indicate that Hispanic students remain at greater risk for certain health related behaviors.

YRBS is conducted every two years and monitors high school students’ health risk behaviors that lead to unintentional injuries and violence; tobacco, alcohol and other drug use; and sexual behaviors that can lead to unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.  The surveys also assess dietary behaviors, physical inactivity, and the prevalence of obesity and asthma.  In 2007, more than 14,000 U.S. high school students participated in the National YRBS.  Surveys were conducted in 39 states and 22 large urban school districts. 

Some of the positive trends in the prevalence of selected risk behaviors for all students between 1991 and 2007 include:

• The percentage of high school students who currently use cigarettes (at least 1 day during the 30 days before the survey) increased between 1991-1997, but decreased between 1997-2007.  In 2007, 20% of high school students reported currently using cigarettes compared to 27.5% in 1991.
• The percentage of students who ever had sexual intercourse decreased from 54.1% in 1991 to 47.8% in 2007.

Some of the negative trends include:

• The percentage of students who were ever taught in school about AIDS or HIV infection increased between 1991-1997, but decreased between 1997-2007.
• The percentage of students who were obese increased from 1999-2007.  In 1999 10.7% were obese.  In 2007, 13% reported being obese. 

Less Progress among Hispanic High School Students

The 2007 National YRBS found that Hispanic students were more likely than either black or white students to attempt suicide; use cocaine, heroin or ecstasy; ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol; or go 24 hours or more without eating to try to lose weight.  They were also more likely to say they did not go to school on occasion because of safety concerns, were offered or sold illegal drugs on school property or drank alcohol on school property. 

There were, nevertheless, some positive findings concerning Hispanic students.  Compared to the 1990s, Hispanic students were more likely to wear a seat belt and to use condoms during their most recent sexual intercourse and less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, use drugs such as marijuana and methamphetamines, or ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol. 

To access the comprehensive results, general information on YRBS, data files and archives, as well as fact sheets, including comparisons between state or district and national results, please visit www.cdc.gov/yrbs.  

Source: “Nation’s High School Students Showing Overall Improvements in Health-Related Behaviors,” CDC Press Release, June 4, 2008 and YRBSS webpage.