YRBSS
Also written as: YRBSS — Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a national survey monitoring health-risk behaviors among high school students that informs adolescent mental health research.
Full Definition
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) is a biennial national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that monitors priority health-risk behaviors among high school students, including those related to mental health such as suicidal ideation, substance use, and violence. The YRBSS provides critical epidemiological data that informs public health policy and clinical practice in adolescent psychiatry. Data from YRBSS studies are frequently cited in research publications, treatment guidelines, and policy documents related to adolescent mental health. The survey includes questions about feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, substance use, and other risk factors relevant to psychiatric care. Understanding YRBSS methodology and findings is essential for interpreting population-level trends in adolescent mental health.
Usage
Usage note: Use YRBSS (not YRBS) for the system; YRBS may refer to individual survey instances.
In Context
- "Recent YRBSS data indicate an increase in reported suicidal ideation among high school students." — Research article
- "The treatment program design was informed by local YRBSS findings on adolescent risk behaviors." — Program evaluation report