Inquiring about sex behavior in a conservative state: Adding questions about sex behaviors to the YRBS in Utah

Issues: How can Utah gain access to sufficient YRBS data to effectively plan, implement and evaluate programs and services that aim to reduce risky sexual behavior and associated health complications among adolescents?

Description: Utah has skyrocketing rates of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. In 2007, there were 5,721 reported cases of Chlamydia in Utah, and 821 reported cases of Gonorrhea, making them the 1st and 4th most prevalent infectious diseases, respectively, in the state. These diseases were most commonly diagnosed in 15-29 year-olds. It is difficult to implement effective programming for adolescents because no data exist concerning sex behaviors among teens. MPH students at Brigham Young University performed a policy analysis to determine the feasibility and efficacy of including questions regarding sex behavior to Utah's administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Analysis included identifying stakeholders on both sides of the issue and then conducting interviews to determine the best course of action for collecting sex behavior data.

Lessons Learned: Allocating funding for professional public opinion polling is a smart investment. Polling data which demonstrate that an overwhelming majority of parents are in favor of the sex behavior questions carry the most weight among state legislators and school districts. These data show that vocal minorities can be overcome by relatively inexpensive public opinion polls. This solution may prove useful for other traditionally conservative states.

Recommendations: Inform local health agencies and other state health departments about the potential power of professional public opinion polling.