2012 Iowa Youth Survey Results

The Iowa Youth Survey is conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Health's Division of Behavioral Health in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, the Iowa Department of Human Rights’ Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning and Statistical Analysis Center, and the Iowa Department of Human Services.

In the fall of 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2012 students in the 6th, 8th, and 11th grades across the state of Iowa answered questions about their attitudes and experiences regarding alcohol and other drug use and violence, and their perceptions of their peer, family, school, and neighborhood/community environments.  In 2008 the survey was administered online for the first time. 

The 2012 Iowa Youth Survey county reports are designed to help local and state-level planners, community agencies, and school personnel identify youth development needs, implement relevant, targeted interventions, and assess outcomes. IYS data can assist in providing a better understanding of students in Iowa and their needs. It can also help to assess the strengths and challenges of schools, families, and communities from the young person’s perspective. In addition, IYS data may be used to obtain funding for a wide variety of programs and services. The Iowa Youth Survey has proven to be a valuable resource in youth needs assessment, program development, implementation, and outcome evaluation

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The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition has seen remarkable results in youth alcohol and tobacco use over the last 10 years based on Iowa Youth Survey results. The SAFE Coalition has been focusing primarily on reducing youth alcohol and marijuana use and the below charts show the trends from 2002-2012 related to these two substances. You may obtain a full copy of the Iowa Youth Survey at: http://www.iowayouthsurvey.iowa.gov or by contacting the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412.

The percentage of 11^th grade students reporting past 30 day use of    alcohol decreased from 53% in 2005 to 25% in 2012.

The percentage of 11^th grade students reporting past 30 day use of   marijuana decreased from 12% in 2002 to 2% in 2012.