Youth Data Survey 2000-2001

Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

 

In May of 2001 the Office on Children and Youth conducted the third bi-annual (every two years) Youth Data Survey.  This survey was in coordination with the Healthy CommUnity Council’s broad-based community assessment. The following data is from this year’s survey. As you can see, we have many youth assets to celebrate and a few challenges to examine.  The full data report with all three surveys compiled is available from the Office on Children and Youth (540) 568-2558 or from RMH Community Health (540) 564-7053


 


Who Did We Survey?

1434 City and County Students

49.2% Female

50.8% Male

Between the ages of 13 and 19

 

Assets

The following information shows the positive behaviors the whole community can celebrate concerning our youth.

 

90% - Do not drink and drive

92% - Never participate in gangs

73% - Are active in school activities

53% - Are active in community activities

72% - Exercise 3 or more times a week

75% - Never use illicit drugs

84% - Never think about committing suicide

70% - Are not trying to lose weight

72% - Participate in faith-based activities

68% - Are sexually abstinent (Not having           intercourse)

57% - Talk to their parents about problems

41% - Talk to their parents about drugs/alcohol

52% - Think they are about the right weight

54% - Never use tobacco

42% - Never use alcohol

43% - Always wear a seatbelt

Risk Factors

The following are issues our community will have the opportunity to address over the next two years.

 

Sexual Activity                                    

68.4% of the youth indicated they had never had

sexual intercourse.                                                                                                                                               

Of those who are sexually active:                    

58% - Use condoms  

23% - Use no method or withdrawal                              

19% - Use birth control pills                                             

 0% - Use birth control shots

 

Tobacco Use

11% - Daily (down from 17% two years ago)

18.5% - Weekly (down from 26.6% two years ago)

24.1% - Monthly (down from 33.7% two years ago)

39% - Annually (down from 49.9% two years ago)

 

Alcohol Use                                                    

2%  - Daily                                                                              

12%  - Weekly                                                     

24% - Monthly                                                                     

53 % - Annually   

           

Illicit Drug Use

5% - Daily

10% - Weekly      

14% - Monthly     

24% - Annually