Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - United States, 2005

In the United States, 71% of all deaths among people 10 to 24 years old result from four causes - motor vehicle crashes, unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide. In 2005 the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data indicated that during the 30 days preceding the survey, many high school students engaged in behaviors that increased their likelihood of death from these four causes:

• 9.9% had driven a care or other vehicle after drinking alcohol;
• 18.5% had carried a weapon;
• 43.3% had drunk alcohol;and
• 20.2% had used marijuana.

In addition, in the 12 months preceding the survey:

• 35.9% of high school students had been in a physical fight;
• 8.4% had attempted suicide;
• 46.8% reported ever having sexual intercourse; and
• 37.2% had not used a condom at last sexual intercourse.

Among adults over 25 years old, 61% of all deaths result from cardiovascular disease and cancer, and we know that many habits that contribute to those causes of death start during adolescence. In particular, results show that in 2005 a total of 23% of high school students had smoked cigarettes during the 30 days preceding the survey and 80% had not eaten at least five servings of fruits or vegetables during the previous week, and 13% were over weight.

Every other year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collects YRBS data from a scientifically sound sample of all public and private schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In 2005 that sample included 13,953 questionnaires from 159 schools with grades 9-12. It is clear that our youth need additional support developing habits that will help them stay healthy in adulthood.

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