Research & Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six categories of health-related behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults, including: Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence; Sexual behaviors related to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection; Alcohol and other drug use; Tobacco use; Unhealthy dietary behaviors; and, Inadequate physical activity. YRBSS also measures the prevalence of obesity and asthma and other health-related behaviors plus sexual identity and sex of sexual contacts. YRBSS is a system of surveys. It includes 1) a national school-based survey conducted by CDC and state, territorial, tribal, and 2) local surveys conducted by state, territorial, and local education and health agencies and tribal governments.