State of Alaska Youth Risk Behavioral Survey and School Health Profiles - The State of Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health will focus efforts to establish, implement, and strengthen systematic procedures to collect Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and School Health Profiles (Profiles) data. The purpose of these surveys is to help school districts and schools, communities, public and private organizations understand and meet the health needs of Alaska teens. Profiles and YRBS results are used by leaders and decision makers, especially in schools, school districts, and Alaska’s health and education departments to understand the gaps in programming, policies and practices that can impact student health and academic performance. Results support local discussion and decisions about how best to improve student health and helps monitor progress towards health outcomes of interest. The YRBS is a school-based survey of Alaska high school students. The YRBS collects important information about the health of Alaska teens, including health risk behaviors that contribute to chronic disease, injuries, and early death. Alaska public traditional and alternative high school students take the YRBS every other year in odd-numbered years. Student participation in the YRBS is anonymous, voluntary, and requires written parental consent. The survey includes questions on the following topics: physical activity; nutrition; tobacco, alcohol; drug use; injury prevention; violence and bullying; suicide; sexual behaviors; connections with peers, adults, and community. Profiles surveys are given every even year to a sample of Alaska’s secondary schools serving grades 6-12. The principals and lead health teachers complete these surveys and provide an assessment of the status of health and wellness-related policies, procedures, instruction and environments within their schools. Survey topics include school health education requirements and content; physical education requirements; school health policies on tobacco use prevention; violence prevention; HIV and AIDS prevention; school meal practices; physical activity opportunities; management of health conditions such as asthma; and family and community involvement in school health programs. Alaska’s YRBS and Profiles are part of a national effort run by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
