More Indiana youth attempted suicide, were victims of teen dating violence or were bullied in school compared with youth in other states.
The Indiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is part of a nationwide surveying effort led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor students’ health risks and behaviors in six categories. The YRBS is conducted every two years among a representative group of Indiana students in grades 9–12. Below is an overview of this topic’s key findings. RBS is conducted every two years among a representative group of Indiana students in grades 9–12. Below is an overview of this topic’s key findings.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Unintentional injury and violence are the leading causes of death for people aged 1–44 years. Regardless of gender, race, or economic status, homicide is the second and suicide is the third leading cause of death for Americans aged 15–24 years. Additionally, deaths due to unintentional injury and violence are only part of the picture, as thousands of American high school students are injured each year and survive.
KEY POINTS
Compared to 2003–2007, Indiana high school students in 2009
• Were less likely to have ridden in a car driven by someone who had been drinking alcohol, bettering the national goal of 30% (Figure)
• Improved their use of seat belts when in a car driven by someone else
• Continued to not wear their bicycle helmets often enough when riding bicycles
• Were as likely to have been threatened with a weapon at school, although the percentage decreased by 32% compared to 2007
• Continued to report high rates of prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Were more likely to have attempted suicide resulting in an injury, poisoning, or overdose that had to be treated by a doctor or nurse
For more information on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
