2005 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS): Backgrounder

History

CAMH's Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS) is the longest ongoing survey of adolescents in Canada
From 1968 to 1974, the survey monitored the extent of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among Toronto students in grades 7, 9, 11 and 13
In 1977, the study was expanded to include students throughout Ontario
Since 1977, the study has surveyed about 4,000 students every two years, and to date, has interviewed over 65,000 students
OSDUS is the longest systematic study of alcohol and drug use among a youthful population in Canada, and the second-longest in North America

Purpose

The purpose is to identify epidemiological trends in student drug use, mental health (e.g., depression), physical activity, and risky behaviour (e.g., violence, gambling), as well as identifying risk factors
Surveys like the OSDUS contribute to an understanding of current and changing patterns of alcohol and other drug use, the problems stemming from use, and the associated social and demographic factors
The OSDUS provides data regarding:
- Extent of drug use by students in grades 7 to 12, and trends in use since 1977
- Extent and nature of alcohol-related and drug-related problems
- Attitudes, beliefs and perception about alcohol and other drug use
Monitoring surveys provide a basis for program and policy evaluation of goals established by governmental and nongovernmental agencies

Methodology

The study is based on 15 surveys conducted every two years since 1977
The 2005 survey is the 15th cycle of the study
This latest report describes alcohol and other drug use in 2005, and changes since 1977
New topics in the 2005 OSDUS questionnaire include: OxyContin use, fire starting, and stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.
In 2005, 7,726 students in grades 7 to 12, enrolled in the public or Catholic regular school systems, participated in OSDUS
This represents students from 42 school boards, 137 schools and 445 classes
Results are provided for two groups of students; those in grades 7 to 12, and those in grades 7, 9, and 11 only
The first group (grades 7 to 12) is used to assess current drug use and short-term trends (1999-2005)
The second group (grades 7, 9 and 11) is used to assess long-term trends (1997-2005)
All data are based on self-reports derived from anonymous questionnaires administered in classrooms.