YRBSS Questionnaires

Before each YRBS cycle begins, CDC seeks input from subject matter experts (both inside and outside of CDC) regarding what questions should be changed, added, or deleted. This input is compiled for review by December of the odd-numbered year preceding the survey cycle (such as, December 1, 2019, for the 2021 YRBS).

Proposed changes, additions, and deletions are then placed on a ballot, which is sent to the YRBS coordinators at all sites (states, territories, and local school districts). Each site votes for or against each proposed change, addition, and deletion. CDC considers the results of this balloting process when finalizing the standard questionnaire, which includes about 89 questions. A majority of sites must approve each change, addition, or deletion before it can be implemented.

For the national YRBS, about 10 questions are added to the standard questionnaire each cycle. These questions typically reflect emerging areas of interest for CDC and stakeholders.

Additional questions of interest are included on an Optional Question List, from which sites can select questions for their questionnaire. Final wording for questionnaires and the Optional Question List is based on the results of cognitive testing and input from subject matter experts.

All suggested additions and changes should be submitted using the YRBSS Data Request Form. These suggestions must be received by December 1 of the odd-numbered year preceding the survey cycle (for example, December 1, 2019, for the 2021 YRBS). All suggestions are then compiled and reviewed by CDC before they are added to the ballot process described above.

Yes. Beginning with the 2021 cycle, the national YRBS questionnaire is available in Spanish. Translation of state and local YRBSS questionnaires is left to the discretion of state and local agencies.

YRBS questionnaires are designed to be administered in a school setting. It is important to consider the language used in regular classrooms and common second languages, if any, spoken by the student population. Check with school officials before deciding whether or not translation is needed.

YRBSS questionnaires in English and Spanish are in the public domain. Questionnaires may be translated to any language. No specific permission is required.

There is no evidence that simply asking students about health behaviors will encourage them to try that behavior.

The YRBSS questionnaire should be cited as follows:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [survey year] Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Available at: www.cdc.gov/YRBS. Accessed on [date].

YRBSS data in a publication should be cited as follows:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [survey year] Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. Available at: www.cdc.gov/yrbs. Accessed on [date].

The YRBSS assesses six categories of priority health behaviors. These categories are 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. In addition, the YRBSS assesses obesity, overweight, and other important health issues.

Yes. State and local agencies that conduct a YRBS can add or delete questions to meet their policy or programmatic needs. Specific guidance on the parameters that must be followed during questionnaire modification is provided to those agencies funded by CDC to conduct a YRBS.

Yes. All students in sampled classrooms are included as long as they are able to respond to the questionnaire in a private and anonymous matter.

CDC worked with partners and researchers for several cycles to develop a credible question to identify transgender students. A question recommended by CDC was successfully piloted by 11 states and 10 local school districts during the 2017 YRBS cycle.

Cognitive interviews conducted in March 2018 also indicated that the question functioned well. This question is now included in the YRBS Optional Question List for any interested site to use.