Comparison of paper-and-pencil versus Web administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): risk behavior prevalence estimates

Eval Rev. 2010 Apr;34(2):137-53. doi: 10.1177/0193841X10362491.

Abstract

The authors examined whether paper-and-pencil and Web surveys administered in the school setting yield equivalent risk behavior prevalence estimates. Data were from a methods study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in spring 2008. Intact classes of 9th- or 10th-grade students were assigned randomly to complete a survey via paper-and-pencil or Web. Data from 5,227 students were analyzed using logistic regression to identify associations of mode with reporting of 74 risk behaviors. Mode was associated with reporting of only 7 of the 74 risk behaviors. Results indicate prevalence estimates from paper-and-pencil and Web school-based surveys are generally equivalent.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Data Collection*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Paper*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Writing*