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2 <br />BACKGROUND INFORMATION <br />1,455 students completed the survey in spring 2004 <br />Given to students in all grades. The following list provides the distribution of survey responses <br />by grade. <br />th <br />30% 9 grade (431) <br />th <br />26% 10 grade (380) <br />th <br />25% 11 grade (364) <br />th <br />18% 12 grade (260) <br />Similar survey given 1995 (n=655), 1999 (n=1,005), and 2002 (1,422) <br />Youth Risk Behavior Survey focuses on various areas of risk facing youth in Massachusetts <br />(alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, nutrition, violence). Lexington High School has integrated a <br />number of specific questions that deal with high risk issues that are being confronted by current <br />programs (stress, academic competition, sexual activity). <br />AREAS OF PROGRESS SINCE 1995 <br />1. Cigarette Smoking <br />Cigarette smoking has decreased dramatically since 1995. <br />In 2004 14% of students report they smoked in last 30 days compared to 35% in 1995 <br />2. Marijuana use <br />Fewer students are reporting using Marijuana in 2004 <br />20% of students report that they used marijuana over past 30 days compared to 33% in 1995. <br />3. Suicide <br />Fewer students are reporting considering or attempting suicide across the ten year study <br />period. Decreases in consideration, plans and actual reported attempts of suicides <br />Ever seriously consider Suicide 23% in 1995 – 16% in 2004 (231 students) <br />Develop plan to commit suicide 16% in 1995 – 9% in 2004 (128 Students) <br />Actually attempt Suicide 9% in 1995 – 5% in 2004 (70 students) <br />4. Body Image and Weight <br />Fewer students are reporting being concerned about their weight <br />54% of students reported that they felt they were the right weight in 1995 and in 2004 59% of <br />students report feeling they are the right weight. <br />Still may be lingering problems related to young women trying to lose weight. 52% of the <br />females are trying to lose weight compared to 20% of males <br />5. Fighting <br />The number of students who report that they have been in a fight in the last 12 months has <br />decreased during the study period (36% in 1995 and 29% in 2004) <br />Freshman and sophomores continue to be more likely to be involved in a fight (33%) as <br />compared to seniors (18%) <br /> <br />