Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey

On the 30th-anniversary of its origin, the Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS) has been renamed as the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) to better reflect its expanded content. The 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 risky behaviour (e.g., violence, gambling), as well as identifying risk factors. Typically, the OSDUHS surveys about 6,000 students in over 100 elementary and secondary schools across Ontario.

This survey is important because it provides reliable, current information about the health 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 behaviours and problems, violence and bullying, criminal behaviours, school connectedness, academic achievement, and family life.

 

2007 OSDUHS Questionnaire
New topics in the 2007 OSDUHS questionnaire include: the use of alcohol coolers and jimson weed; the misuse of over-the-counter sleeping medication and prescription drugs; the availability and source of prescription drugs; participation in the “choking game”; suicide attempts; problem video gaming; playing Internet Poker; and gang membership. The 2007 OSDUHS surveyed students across Ontario between November 2006 and May 2007. Click below for the English and French 2007 OSDUHS questionnaires:

• 2007 OSDUHS Questionnaire Form A (PDF, 208 Kb)
• 2007 OSDUHS Questionnaire Form B (PDF, 220 Kb)
• 2007 SCDSEO French Questionnaire (PDF, 188 Kb)

 

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 Maureen Kothare at: maureen_kothare@camh.net

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