Fairfax County Youth Survey School Year 2012-2013: Depression, Suicide and Unhealthy Weight Loss Behaviors
1. Fairfax County
Youth Survey
School Year
2012-2013
Depression, Suicide and
Unhealthy Weight Loss Behaviors
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
Updated November 2013
2. About the Fairfax County Youth Survey
It provides DATA to county, school, and
community–based organizations to:
• Assess Youth Strengths and Needs
• Develop Programs and Services
• Monitor Trends
• Measure Community Indicators
• Guide Countywide Planning of Prevention Efforts
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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3. More About the Fairfax County Youth Survey
• Comprehensive
• Anonymous
• Voluntary
It examines the
• Behaviors,
• Experiences, and
• Risk and Protective Factors that influence the
well-being of our county’s youth.
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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4. Fairfax County Youth Survey Web Page
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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5. Fairfax County Youth Survey Participation
•
46,969 FCPS students
•
Grades 6, 8, 10, and 12
•
Representing 90% of enrolled students
6th grade students take a shortened,
modified survey.
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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7. Three to Succeed
The Three to Succeed concept is based on the youth
survey analysis that shows how just having three assets (or
strengths) dramatically reduces risk behaviors and
promotes thriving youth.
Assets are strengths in young people, their families, schools
and communities that help them thrive in health, in school
and daily life, and in a safe environment. The more assets
an individual has in their lives, the fewer risk behaviors are
reported.
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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8. Three to Succeed
Asset Graph for Fairfax County (Grades 8, 10, 12)
Bullied Someone (Year)
Sex (Ever)
Alcohol Use (30 Days)
Marijuana Use (30 Days)
Carried a Weapon (Year)
Binge Drinking (2 Weeks)
Cigarette Use (30 Days)
Gang Member (Ever)
Percent with Risky Behavior
70
60
Three Assets
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
1
2
3
Number of Assets
Having High Personal Integrity
Performing Community Service
Having Teachers Recognize Good Work
4
5
Having Community Adults to Talk to
Participating in Extracurricular Activities
Having Parents Available for Help
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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10. Fairfax County Youth Survey Questions
Students were asked the following question.
The next section asks about your feelings and
experiences in other parts of your life.
Remember, your answers are confidential.
During the past 12 months, did you ever feel so
sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks
or more in a row that you stopped doing some
usual activities? Yes/No
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
The question regarding depressive symptoms is asked annually.
10
10
11. Percent Who Experienced Depressive Symptoms in Past
Year (Grades 8, 10, 12)
60
50
% Reporting
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
FCPS
8th
10th
12th
Female
Male
White
Black
Hispanic
Asian
Other/
Multiple
31.3
27.7
32.3
33.9
37.1
25.2
26.6
30.8
40.8
30.8
35.6
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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12. Percent Who Experienced Depressive Symptoms in Past
Year (Grade 6)
60
% Reporting
50
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
%
Female
Male
White
20.9
22.5
19.1
17.2
Black Hispanic Asian
25.7
27.1
17.9
Other/
Multiple
24.6
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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13. Depressive Symptoms Higher in 2012
60
50
% Reporting
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
8th
10th
12th
Female
Male
White
Black
Hispanic
Asian
Other/
Multiple
FCPS
2011
29.2
24.9
30.7
32.0
35.1
23.0
25.3
28.1
37.6
28.6
34.5
FCPS
2012
31.3
27.7
32.3
33.9
37.1
25.2
26.6
30.8
40.8
30.8
35.6
Note: 6th Grade Prevalence = 22.1% and 20.9% in 2011 and 2012, respectively
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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14. A Closer Look at Depressive Symptoms
60
% Reporting
50
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
8th
10th
12th
White
Black
Hispanic
Asian
Other/
Multiple
Male
25.2
22.7
24.3
28.6
21.6
24.4
31.0
26.8
27.6
Female
37.1
32.5
39.7
39.0
31.4
37.6
49.8
34.6
43.9
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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15. Fairfax County Youth Survey Questions
On the 2011 Fairfax County Youth Survey, students were asked questions
regarding suicide. These questions are only asked in odd years to keep
the survey at a length that can be completed during one class period
and to coincide with the administration of the YRBS to obtain a national
comparison.
The next section asks about your feelings during the past 12
months.
Remember, your answers are confidential.
During the past 12 months, did you ever:
… seriously consider attempting suicide? Yes/No
… actually attempt suicide? Yes/No
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
The questions regarding suicide are asked biennially, and were not asked
on the 2012 survey.
15
15
16. Percent Who Considered Suicide in the Past Year
(Grades 8, 10, 12)
60
Results from the 2011 Youth Survey
% Reporting
50
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
FCPS
US
8th
10th
12th
Female
Male
White
Black
Hispani
c
Asian
Other/
Multiple
15.8
13.9
17.5
16.1
19.6
11.9
13.8
15.5
18.8
15.7
21.7
16.5
13.6
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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17. Percent Who Attempted Suicide in the Past Year
(Grades 8, 10, 12)
60
Results from the 2011 Youth Survey
50
% Reporting
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
FCPS
US
8th
10th
12th
Female
Male
White
Black
Hispani
c
Asian
Other/
Multiple
3.8
3.1
4.3
3.9
4.7
2.8
3.0
3.7
5.9
3.2
5.2
8.2
6.3
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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18. Assets and Experiences of Depressive Symptoms and
Suicide
Percent with Experience
70
60
Results from the 2011 Youth Survey
Depressive Symptoms
Suicidal Ideation
Attempted Suicide
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
1
2
3
Number of Assets
Having High Personal Integrity
Performing Community Service
Having Teachers Recognize Good Work
4
5
6
Having Community Adults to Talk to
Participating in Extracurricular Activities
Having Parents Available for Help
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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19. Fairfax County Youth Survey Questions
Students were asked the following questions regarding
unhealthy weight loss behaviors:
During the past 30 days, did you
…go without eating for 24 hours or more(also called fasting)
to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight?
...take any diet pills, powders, or liquids without a doctor’s
advice to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight? Do
not include meal replacement products (such as Slim Fast).
...vomit or take laxatives to lose weight or to keep from
gaining weight?
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
Like the questions about suicide, the questions regarding unhealthy weight
loss behaviors are asked biennially and were not on the 2012 survey.
19
19
20. A Closer Look at Unhealthy Weight Loss Behavior
60
Results from the 2011 Youth Survey
% Reporting
50
40
30
20
10
0
Overall
8th
10th
12th
White
Black
Hispanic
Asian
Other/
Multiple
Male
5.6
5.9
5.4
5.4
4.2
7.5
8.3
5.5
4.8
Female
12.9
11.2
13.9
13.6
11.6
12.9
19.3
9.4
14.7
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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22. Correlation Data
• Cross-tabulations are when we look at the
way students responded to multiple
questions, for example when we look at
results by demographics such as symptoms of
depression by gender or the cross of two
experiences such as symptoms of depression
by substance use.
Cross-tabulations of data do not imply cause
and effect.
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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22
23. Correlation Data
• The results do not imply that being a certain gender
or using substances causes depression. The data
indicate there is a correlation of the female gender
reporting higher prevalence of reported depressive
symptoms.
• Similarly, youth who use substances are more likely
to report symptoms of depression, but the results do
NOT show if substance use causes depression or if
depression leads to substance use.
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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23
24. Depression (Grades 8, 10, 12)
Substance Use Related Factors
60
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
% Reporting
50
40
30
20
10
0
30-Day ATOD
30-Day
Alcohol
Binge
Drinking
30-Day
Marijuana
30-Day
Tobacco
30-Day
Painkillers
30-Day
Inhalant
30-Day
Prescription
Experienced
Depression
40.0
26.1
12.9
15.7
9.5
9.0
5.5
7.3
No Depression
24.3
17.2
8.0
8.8
3.4
3.6
1.8
2.8
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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25. Depression (Grade 6)
Substance Use Related Factors
40
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
% Reporting
30
20
10
0
30-Day
ATOD
30-Day
Inhalant
30-Day
Alcohol
30-Day
Tobacco
30-Day
Marijuana
Ever Used
Inhalant
Experienced
Depression
10.1
5.8
5.0
0.6
0.6
11.1
No Depression
3.3
1.7
1.4
0.2
0.2
4.3
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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27. Depression (Grades 8, 10, 12)
Aggression & Victimization Related Factors
80
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
70
% Reporting
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Victim
Bullying
Victim
Racial or
Cultural
Harrassment
Victim
Cyberbullying at
School
Bullied
Others
Racially or
Culturally
Harrassed
Others
Cyberbullied
Others at
School
Carried a
Weapon
Ever Been
in a Gang
Experienced
Depression
68.1
57.3
22.5
49.2
42.6
11.7
16.9
5.0
No Depression
46.4
39.9
7.1
38.0
34.7
5.0
9.2
1.8
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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28. Depression (Grade 6)
Aggression & Victimization Related Factors
100
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
% Reporting
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Victim
Bullying
Victim
Racial or
Cultural
Harrassment
Victim
Cyberbullying at
School
Bullied
Others
Racially or
Culturally
Harrassed
Others
Cyberbullied
Others at
School
Carried a
Weapon
Experienced
Depression
68.8
33.2
25.3
29.2
9.7
10.0
22.0
No Depression
37.9
14.4
9.2
17.1
4.6
3.7
11.7
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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30. % Reporting
Depression (Grades 8, 10, 12)
Health and Well-Being Related Factors
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
Physical Activity
(Less than 1 hr, 5+
days/week)
Sleep (Fewer than
8 hrs)
Ever Had Sexual
Intercourse
Ever Had Oral Sex
Experienced
Depression
64.4
76.8
30.0
32.8
No Depression
55.2
64.8
17.3
20.6
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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31. Depression (Grade 6)
Health and Well-Being Related Factors
80
70
60
Comparing Depression and
No Depression
as Sub-populations
% Reporting
50
40
30
20
10
0
Physical Activity (Less than 1
hr, 5+ days/week)
Experienced
Depression
49.0
No Depression
47.3
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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33. Depression (Grades 8, 10, 12)
School Performance Related Factors
% Reporting
60
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
50
40
30
20
10
0
Skipped
School
Don't Feel
Suspended in
Safe at School
Past Year
Poor Grades
Low
Perceived
Ability to Do
Well in School
Experienced
Depression
31.6
20.2
12.3
4.7
2.5
No Depression
18.1
7.5
7.2
1.4
0.8
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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34. Depression (Grade 6)
School Performance Related Factors
% Reporting
60
50
40
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
30
20
10
0
Don't Feel Safe
at School
Poor Grades
Low Perceived
Ability to Do Well
in School
Experienced
Depression
16.7
2.1
6.3
No Depression
4.0
0.8
4.6
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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36. Risk and Protective Factors
Risk Factors help us explain
circumstances that may
increase the likelihood of
problem behaviors
Youth who exhibit increased amounts of a risk factor
are considered to be at “high risk” in that category
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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37. Risk and Protective Factors
Protective Factors can help
increase resiliency to substance
use and problem
behaviors, buffering youth from
risk
Youth who exhibit increased amounts of a protective factor
are considered to have “high protection” in that
category
Full Glossary of R&P questions can be found in the
2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey Report.
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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38. % Reporting
Depression (Grades 8, 10, 12)
Protective Factors
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Have
Participate in
Parents are
Community
ExtraAvailable for
Adults to Talk
curricular
Help
to
Activities
High Personal
Integrity
Perform
Community
Service
Teachers
Recognize
Good Work
Experienced
Depression
67.6
66.8
55.0
28.9
71.5
61.0
No Depression
79.3
74.3
66.7
44.8
81.0
82.2
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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39. % Reporting
Depression (Grade 6)
Protective Factors
Comparing Depression and No Depression
as Sub-populations
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Have
Feel Safe at Community
School
Adults to
Talk to
Participate
Parents are
in ExtraAvailable for
curricular
Help
Activities
High
Personal
Integrity
Perform
Community
Service
Experienced
Depression
94.8
43.9
83.3
45.6
69.2
79.3
No Depression
98.0
45.0
96.0
59.3
75.4
92.7
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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40. Depressive Symptoms in Past Year
Related Factors
Bullied Others
(Past Year)
Racially/
Culturally
Harrassed
Others (Past…
ATOD
Sex (Ever)
Cyberbullied
Others (Past
Year)
Depression
No Depression
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
40
41. Asset Graph for Caring Adults (Grades 8, 10, 12)
Percent with Risky Behavior
60
Bullied Someone (Year)
Sex (Ever)
Alcohol Use (30 Days)
Marijuana Use (30 Days)
Carried a Weapon (Year)
Binge Drinking (2 Weeks)
Cigarette Use (30 Days)
Gang Member (Ever)
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
1
Number of Assets 2
Having Parents Available for Help
Having Teachers Recognize Good Work
Having Community Adults to Talk to
3
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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42. The Prevention Toolkit
The Prevention Toolkit
provides access to
presentations, videos, fact
sheets, links to helpful
organizations and
resources, and ideas for
taking action in your family
and community to address
Youth Survey related topics.
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Other
Drugs
• Bullying and Cyberbullying
• Depression, Suicide and
Unhealthy Weight Loss
• Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Teen Dating Abuse
The Prevention Toolkit Website
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs/prevention/toolkit.htm
Contact Email
NCSPrevention@fairfaxcounty.gov
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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43. Help and More Information
Find these and other organizations in the Prevention Toolkit as
resources for help and more information.
•
Crisislink Suicide Prevention Hotline: (703) 527-4077
•
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
•
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) Mental
Health Services
24-Hour CSB Emergency Services Phone: 703-383-8500
TTY: 703-207-7737
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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44. Help and More Information from
Fairfax County Public Schools
Intervention and Prevention Services
School Psychology Services
School Social Work Services
Student Safety and Wellness
School Counseling Services
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
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45. Questions? Contact Us!
Sophia Dutton
Countywide Service Integration and Planning Management
Strategic Planning & Communications
Sophia.Dutton@fairfaxcounty.gov
Dede Bailer
Fairfax County Public Schools
Office of Intervention and Prevention Services
Dede.Bailer@fcps.edu
Fairfax County 2012 Youth Survey
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey
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Notas del editor
The Fairfax County Youth Survey provides DATAto county, school, and community–based organizations to:Assess Youth Strengths and Needs Develop Programs and ServicesMonitor TrendsMeasure Community Indicators andGuide Countywide Planning of Prevention Efforts
The survey is Comprehensive and covers many topics. Some examples are alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, depression, bullying, nutrition and physical activity and sexual health. The survey is anonymous. No identifying information for the student is stored with the results. AndIt is Voluntary. Students are instructed that they may decline to answer any of the questions on the survey or may completely opt out of taking the survey.Students are asked questions about their behaviors,experiences, and the risk and protective influences in their lives.
Complete results from the survey can be found in the reports on the youth survey website.There are more questions asked on the survey than are covered in this presentation.
The 2012 Fairfax County Youth Survey was completed• by almost 47 thousand Fairfax County Public School students,• in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12,• representing 87% of enrolled students in those grades.(*1)6th grade students take a shortened, modified survey. Where available, 6th grade data are referenced in this presentation. More detailed information can be found in the 6th grade report on the Fairfax County Youth Survey webpage.
Depressive symptoms were higher in 2012 than in 2011 for every demographic category, but are similar to the data from 2010.
Though the overall rate of depressive symptoms in Fairfax County is 31%, a closer look shows that female studentsare affected at a much higher rate than males at every grade level and for all races and ethnicities. This is a pattern we have seen with the national data.Nearly HALF of Hispanic females report depressive symptoms in the past year.
Through the Fairfax County Youth Survey, we see that positive influences in students’ lives make a difference in depressive symptoms and suicide.For students who report having all 6 of the protective factors listed, the rate of depressive symptoms is only 13% compared to 60% of those who report depressive symptoms when they have none of the protective factors.We can see that having protective factors in their lives makes a profound difference for our youth.
The PATTERN of responses to unhealthy weight loss questions is similar to that of depressive symptoms. Overall, 9% of students have used unhealthy weight loss methods in the past 30 days. This equates to over 5,000 high school students in Fairfax County Public Schools.Female students are affected at a much higher rate than males at every grade level and for all races and ethnicities. Hispanic females are disproportionately affected, with almost one in five reporting use of at least one unhealthy weight loss method.
There is a strong correlation between depressive symptoms and other unhealthy experiences. The data results are not meant to imply cause and effect relationships. The data does not indicate whether depressive symptoms make someone more likely to be victimized or if being a victim leads to depressive symptoms. But it is important to note that students who reported depressive symptoms in the past year,are more likely in every case to report being an aggressor with bullying, racial/cultural harassment, or cyberbullying; having sex, or using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs than students who did not report depressive symptoms.
The data show us that when we give our teens opportunities to be involved, offer supportive relationships, and recognize their good work and accomplishments, we give them the assets to help them make good decisions and become resilient to risky behaviors.Looking at the assets that specifically address having caring adults in your life (at school, in the community, and at home).Story behind the numbers – Past 30-Day Alcohol Use:With zero assets, 28% have used alcohol in the past 30-days.Having just 1 asset, the percentage drops 5 percentage points to 23%.Having 2 assets, the percentage drops 3 more percentage points to 20%.Having all 3 assets of caring adults (Three to succeed) – the percentage of students using alcohol in the past 30 days dropped to 14% (a 14 percentage point difference from 0 assets).
For questions regarding the Fairfax County Youth Survey, contact Sophia Dutton.For questions regarding Intervention and Prevention services in Fairfax County Public Schools, contact Dede Bailer.