Nebraska Risk and Protective Factor Student Survey
What survey is this?
The NRPFSS is a substance abuse-related survey of Nebraska students in grades 8, 10, and 12. The Nebraska survey was adapted from nationally validated surveys including Monitoring the Future, Communities that Care, and others.
Why participate?
At this time, the NRPFSS is the only school-based public health survey that generates local and regional estimates for health planning and evaluation. Local-level survey results are provided to school districts and can also be provided at the school-level if requested. County-level and/or regional-level results are also utilized by several local organizations, such as community coalitions and local health departments. There are many ways schools and local organizations use the results, including to secure grant funding, monitor student health trends, and guide school policy and curriculum decisions.
What topics does it cover?
The NRPFSS collects information related to alcohol, tobacco (vaping/electronic cigarettes, cigarettes, etc.), illicit drug use, delinquent behaviors, and bullying. The survey also identifies risk and protective measures which predispose youth toward or protect them against problem behaviors including nutrition, substance abuse, delinquency, school dropout, and violence.
The questions have been tested to ensure that they are reliable and valid. The survey administration procedures were designed to protect the confidentiality of the student and school district and encourage honest responses from students.
Who is eligible to participate?
Nebraska public and non-public students in grades 8, 10, and 12.
When is it conducted?
The NRPFSS, in addition to the other SHARP surveys (YRBS and YTS), is conducted in the fall of odd years.
The next administration will be the fall of 2025.
How are the data collected?
NRPFSS is a census survey. All Nebraska schools, public and private, with grades 8, 10, and/or 12 are eligible and can choose to participate. In participating schools, all students in eligible grades are asked to complete the survey.
Who conducts the survey?
This survey is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS). Since the fall of 2010, the Bureau of Sociological Research (BOSR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln manages the collection and analysis of the data.
How is this survey unique?
The NRPFSS is available to all public and non-public schools with grades 8, 10, and/or 12. It is used primarily for generating local and regional estimates for risk and protective measures related to problem behaviors involving nutrition, bullying, substance abuse, school dropouts, and delinquency. The NRPFSS is the ONLY survey that allows the opportunity for schools to receive a school-specific, school district, and/or community report.
NRPFSS Data, Materials, and Information
NRPFSS
Health Department-Level Data Reports
NRPFSS data reports for Health Departments.
Check the Health Department DataNRPFSS
Behavioral Health Region-Level Data Reports
NRPFSS data reports for Health Regions.
Check the Behavioral Health RegionsNRPFSS
Questionnaires
A record of previous questionnaires in English and Spanish since 2010.
See Previous QuestionnairesAssessments
Sample Tool for Data Interpretation (.xlsx)
This tool is used to help interpret data. The numbers listed are not representative of any one district, but to demonstrate how to read the data reports.
Detailed Administration Methods
Detailed information on how the survey is administered.