Prevention. Promotion. Protection.

School Health

For more information:

Patty Owen,
School Health and YRBS Coordinator
Phone: (907) 465-2768
Fax: (907) 465-2770
Send e-mail to schoolhealth@alaska.gov

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is part of an epidemiological surveillance system that was established in 1988 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The purpose of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is to help monitor the prevalence of behaviors that put Alaskan youth at risk for the most significant health and social problems that can occur during adolescence and adulthood, in order to assist in prevention and intervention planning and evaluation. The YRBS survey is a school-based survey of high school students administered in cooperation with the Department of Education and Early Development. This anonymous survey examines a minimum of six categories of adolescent behavior:

  • behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries
  • tobacco use
  • alcohol and other drug use
  • sexual behaviors that can result in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) and unintended pregnancies
  • dietary behaviors
  • physical activity

The YRBS has been administered in Alaska in years 1995, 1999 (excluding Anchorage), 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007. Weighted (representative) data were collected in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007 resulting in statewide data reports. The YRBS is being administered again in the Spring of 2009.

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