NCJ Number
205330
Date Published
2004
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This report presents data and information from the 2003 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which measured the prevalence of youth behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disease, and injury among youth.
Abstract
In 2003, school staff administered the YRBS to 31,814, 8th to 12th grade Vermont students in 153 schools representing 60 supervisory unions. Data in this report are based on a representative sample of 8,081 Vermont high school and middle school students. The report includes data on 16-18-year trends for several youth behaviors, including drinking and driving, as well as the use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Survey results are presented as data tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs. In most cases, the data are organized by gender and grade. All findings are presented as percentages of students who endorsed the responses being reported. The section on "injuries, violence, and safety" focuses on the prevalence of physical fighting, weapons and fear, vehicle safety (seat belts, bicycle helmets, crashes, and driving under the influence), and suicide. Another section documents the prevalence of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This is followed by a presentation of data on attitudes and perceptions of such drug use. In the section on sexual behavior, data were obtained from questions about sexual behaviors that contribute to HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancies. Data pertain to the prevalence of sexual intercourse, age at first sexual intercourse, frequency of sex, with whom they have had sex, alcohol and drug use related to sexual intercourse, whether contraception was used, and whether they have talked about AIDS or HIV with a family member. The section on body weight and nutrition presents data from questions on height and weight, how they feel about their weight, and what they are doing to control their weight. Data are also presented on the frequency with which students eat fruits and vegetables and drink milk. The remaining sections of the report present data on students' physical activity and measures of youth health assets. 78 references