Friday, June 13, 2014

Youth Risk Behavior United States, 2013

Many high school students in the USA engage in behaviors at risk for disease and mortality, according for the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2013 report.
  • 41.4% of high school students nationwide who drove a car or other vehicle had texted or e-mailed while driving, 
  • 34.9% had drunk alcohol, and 23.4% had used marijuana. 
  • 14.8% had been electronically bullied, 
  • 19.6% had been bullied on school property, and 
  • 8.0% had attempted suicide. 
  • Many high school students are engaged in sexual risk behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV infection.
Some risk behaviors have decreased (physical fighting, cigarette use, and sexual activity) while some have increased (having not gone to school because of safety concern, obesity and overweight) and some have not changed (suicide attempts treated by a doctor or nurse, having ever used marijuana, and having drunk alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse).
The good news is that current cigarette smoking among high school students is at its lowest level in more than 20 years.
Source: CDC