The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System: policy and program applications.

To monitor behaviors which place adolescents at increased risk for premature morbidity and mortality, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). The YRBSS measures six categories of behaviors: behaviors that contribute to unintentional and intentional injuries; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection; dietary behaviors; and physical activity. This article summarizes how some education agencies, in collaboration with health agencies, community agencies, school boards, parents, and youth are using YRBSS data to describe risk behaviors, create awareness, set program goals, develop programs, support health-related legislation, and seek funding.