Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) is a population survey of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12. The OSDUHS began in 1977 and is the longest ongoing school survey in Canada. This self-administered, anonymous survey is conducted across the province every two years with the purpose of identifying epidemiological trends in student drug use, mental health (e.g., depression), physical activity, and risk behaviour (e.g., violence, gambling), as well as identifying risk and protective factors. Typically, the OSDUHS surveys over 6,000 students in over 120 elementary and secondary schools across Ontario.

This survey is important because it provides reliable, current information about the health behaviour, risk behaviour, attitudes and beliefs of Ontario children and adolescents. Findings from the OSDUHS have been widely used by health, education, and government officials in setting health priorities and facilitating preventative policies, programs and services that address youths' needs.

The OSDUHS began as a drug use survey, but is now a broader study of health and well-being. Topics covered include: tobacco, alcohol and other drug use and harmful consequences of use, mental health issues (e.g., depression, suicide ideation, self-esteem), physical activity, healthcare utilization, body image and weight, gambling and video gaming behaviours and problems, violence and bullying, criminal behaviours, school connectedness, academic achievement, and family life.

 

2009 OSDUHS Questionnaire
New topics in the 2009 OSDUHS questionnaire include: salvia divinorum use, the non-medical use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications, reasons for using opioid pain relievers non-medically, purchasing and smoking contraband cigarettes, healthy eating, sedentary activity, and street racing. The 2009 OSDUHS will be in the field across Ontario between October 2008 and May 2009. Click below for the 2009 OSDUHS English and French questionnaires.

• 2009 OSDUHS Questionnaire Form A (PDF, 220 Kb)
• 2009 OSDUHS Questionnaire Form B (PDF, 235 Kb)
• 2009 SCDSEO Questionnaire (PDF, 2 Mb)

 

2007 OSDUHS Drug Use Report

Drug use findings from the 2007 OSDUHS are published in a Detailed Report, as well as in a corresponding brief Highlights Report:

• Drug Use Among Ontario Students, 1977-2007: OSDUHS Highlights (PDF, 800 Kb)
  
• Drug Use Among Ontario Students, 1977-2007: Detailed OSDUHS Findings (PDF, 2 Mb)
  

 

2007 OSDUHS Mental Health and Well-Being Report

The 2007 Mental Health and Well-Being Report is available to download.  The findings are published in a Detailed Report, as well as in a corresponding brief Highlights Report:

• The Mental Health and Well-Being of Ontario Students, 1991-2007: OSDUHS Highlights (PDF, 650Kb)

• The Mental Health and Well-Being of Ontario Students, 1991-2007: Detailed OSDUHS Findings (PDF, 1.5 Mb)

  
  PowerPoint Presentations from the 2007 Drug Use Report and the Mental Health Report are also available. Please contact Angela Boak at: angela_boak@camh.net.

 

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