Healthy Allegheny Teen Survey

The Healthy Allegheny Teen Survey (HATS) was a county-wide survey that took an in-depth look at the health of teens. HATS was designed to help us understand adolescent health in Allegheny County and how it compares with teens across the state and the nation.

The survey was conducted over the phone from February 2014 to November 2014. Over 1,600 participants 14-19 years of age answered questions about topics like physical activity, nutrition, injuries and violence, substance use (including tobacco), and sexual health behaviors.

Additional topics included educational status and other factors that help promote adolescent health such as the quality of social supports and school connectedness.

HATS was conducted by the Allegheny County Health Department in conjunction with Pitt Public Health, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and several other local foundations.

HATS Data

Important Notes About HATS Data

Some detailed questions about behaviors were only asked of some respondents based on their responses to an initial question, thus some percentages reported are not for the entire sample.

We have made every effort to double check that the tables are complete and accurate. If any errors are identified, we will post corrections and clarifications.

Some of the questions have fewer than 10 responses and should be interpreted with caution.

HATS Quick Facts

  • Information collected will be used to help ACHD and local health and public health organizations improve services based on the needs of youth in the county.
  • No names were connected to the survey. All HATS data is confidential.
  • Survey questions were about young people’s health, health behaviors, and other factors that affect health such as neighborhood, school environment, and social support systems.
  • The HATS survey typically took 30 minutes to complete.
  • Answers about topics such as sex, bullying, violence, and drug/alcohol use were collected using an automated system to ensure privacy.
  • This survey was approved by the University of Pittsburgh’s Institutional Review Board.
  • Download and review the survey questionnaire(PDF, 344KB).

Links to Local Youth Services

Allegheny County Community Services Providers - Resources Phone List(PDF, 341KB)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth, and Families - Mandated by law to protect children from abuse and neglect, the Office of Children, Youth, and Families provides a wide range of preventive, protective, and supportive services. When working with children, they place an emphasis on family preservation and provide direct services through caseworkers, case aides, and a network of contracted agencies.

Pittsburgh Kidsburgh - Kidsburgh is a comprehensive effort by a large group of community stakeholders to make Pittsburgh the best place for kids on the planet.

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Pittsburgh - Jewish Family & Children's Service of Pittsburgh (JF&CS) is an independent 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of children, families, and adults of all ages throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area by providing psychological, employment, and social services.

Childhelp USA - Childhelp is a non-governmental organization that helps victims of child abuse and neglect through community outreach and child abuse treatment programs. They also run a national, 24-hour hotline (170 languages) for children, families, and professionals that provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency and social service resources.

Family Resource Guide - The Family Resource Guide provides information about a variety of resources for parents of children with disabilities.

Help in PA - Help in PA is Pennsylvania’s ‘one-stop’ guide for health and human service programs.

Parents Anonymous - National Parent Helpline
1-855-4A PARENT
Monday through Friday, 1:00pm to 10:00pm.

Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board - Provides information, education, advocacy, and links for youth in foster care.

Back to top