Youth Smoking Survey, 2002 [Canada]

The main objective of the 2002 Youth Smoking Survey (YSS) is to provide current information on the smoking behaviour of students in grades 5 to 9 (in Quebec primary school grades 5 and 6 and secondary school grades 1 to 3), and to measure changes that occurred since 1994. Additionally, the 2002 survey collected basic data on alcohol and drug use by students in grades 7 to 9 (in Quebec secondary 1 to 3). Results of the Youth Smoking Survey will help with the evaluation of anti-smoking and anti-drug use programs, as well as with the development of new programs. The YSS collected information on the following topics: the prevalence of smoking among students in grades 5 to 9 (in Quebec primary school grades 5 and 6 and secondary school grades 1 to 3); the types of smoking behaviour among children (e.g. experimental smoking, occasional smoking, daily smoking); the social and demographic factors associated with smoking behaviour (e.g. what motivates children to smoke, the influence of family and friends); where and how children obtain cigarettes; attitudes and beliefs about smoking, including awareness of health risks; recollection and opinions on health warning messages on cigarette packages;experience with alcohol, drugs and medications used for non-medical purposes.