The round 1 NLSY97 interview included a set of questions on respondents’ health practices and health-related knowledge. These questions were administered to respondents who were age 13 or older as of December 31, 1996. The items capture both self-reported behaviors (such as diet, physical activity, and seatbelt use) and respondents’ understanding of health risks associated with smoking, alcohol consumption, and pregnancy. Table 1 summarizes these health practices and knowledge questions. In round 6 (2002), a subset of these questions was re-administered to respondents born in 1983.

Additional questions

In later rounds, all respondents were asked an expanded set of health practices and knowledge questions covering nutrition, dental hygiene, and exercise behaviors. Information about time spent on the computer, watching television, and sleeping can be found on the Time Use page in the Attitudes section.

Nutrition

In rounds 6 and 11-17, respondents were asked how many times a week they consumed fruits (YHEA-500A) and vegetables (YHEA-500B). Response categories included:

• 1 to 3 times
• 4 to 6 times
• 1 time per day
• 2 times per day
• 3 times per day
• 4 or more times per day

Note: In round 1, a similar question was asked, "In a typical week, how many days do you eat at least some green vegetables or fruit?" Respondents reported a numeric value ranging from 0 to 7 (YHEA-500).

In rounds 13-15 and 17, respondents were also asked nutrition questions related to nutritional awareness and eating behaviors. These items covered awareness of food contents or ingredients (YHEA‑500C) and eating habits (YHEA‑500D), including frequency of fast‑food consumption, snacking between meals, skipping meals, consumption of sugary drinks, and calorie‑limiting behaviors.

Dental hygiene

In rounds 13–15 and 17, respondents reported on dental hygiene practices (YHEA‑500E), indicating how many times during a usual week they brushed their teeth or used dental floss.

Exercise

In rounds 6, 11, and 12, respondents were asked how many times per week they engaged in exercise lasting 30 minutes or more (YHEA-600). In rounds 13-15 and 17, respondents reported whether they participated in moderate or vigorous physical activity (activities that increase sweating and heart rate) as well as strength-building exercises. Follow‑up questions captured the duration and frequency of these activities. Note: Health limitations on activities and productivity can be found in Health at Age 29 and Health at Age 38/39.

Parent Questionnaire (round 1)

If a youth was born in 1983, the responding parent was questioned on his or her perception of the effects of drinking alcohol in relation to the same health conditions detailed in the youth portion of the survey.