Purpose
The Kentucky Incentives for Prevention (KIP) Survey collects anonymous information about youth substance use and well-being.
The survey asks students about:
- Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
- Perceptions of substance use.
- Access to alcohol and other substances.
- Mental health and emotional well-being.
- School safety and performance.
- Bullying and relationship violence.
- Community involvement.
The survey provides information about students' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. Communities and schools use this information to better understand the needs of young people and plan prevention and support services.
History
The KIP Survey has been administered in Kentucky since 1999 through agreements with individual school districts.
The survey was originally developed as part of the federal Kentucky Incentives for Prevention program, which is the source of the survey's name.
From 2004 through 2018, the survey was administered every two years in even-numbered years. The 2020 administration was delayed until fall 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was not administered in 2022 or 2023 because of new procedural requirements. In 2024, more than 21,000 students from 109 school districts completed the survey.
Beginning with the 2021 administration, the KIP Survey moved to a fully web-based format. Students complete the survey in a classroom setting using desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Survey data are transferred through a secure connection and stored in a protected database to help maintain confidentiality throughout the administration and analysis process.
Content
The core questions on the KIP Survey were originally selected by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). The questions are based on research about risk and protective factors related to youth substance use.
Using a research-based survey allows Kentucky to compare its results with other states and national data when available. It also allows schools and communities to compare results within Kentucky and track changes over time.
Additional questions have been added over the years to address emerging issues and topics related to adolescent health and well-being. These topics have included:
- Additional substances.
- Mental health.
- Vaping.
- Other issues related to youth behavioral health.
Results
Each participating school district receives:
- A district-level report with comparisons to the region, the rest of Kentucky, and the United States when national data are available.
- A report of required measures for Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant recipients
District-level results are provided only to the participating school district and are not released in a public report.