Youth Smoking Survey, 2004 [Canada]

The YSS is a unique and important survey because reliable data on smoking prevalence rates among young Canadians are somewhat sparse; this is especially true for adolescents in grades 5 through 9 who are most vulnerable to start smoking. Some information on smoking prevalence is obtained routinely through school surveys; however, national level data are obtained only rarely. Monitoring surveys, which address a variety of psychoactive substances, provide only limited information on important psychosocial and environmental factors, and rarely address behaviours, knowledge and attitudes in a way that allows evaluation of the impact of prevention efforts. <br> The main objective of the YSS is to provide benchmark data on national prevalence rates for students in grades 5 through 9. In addition to prevalence rates, the YSS also offers a detailed snapshot of purchasing behaviour, and information about the effect of continued tobacco marketing. This information is critical to assessing the need for increased legislative controls on tobacco, and bolstering public support for these policy options. Without this type of monitoring, the effectiveness of our prevention efforts cannot be gauged. <br> The YSS also provides a unique opportunity to advance our knowledge of the psychosocial correlates of smoking behaviour including initiation and cessation, as well as individual differences in the influence of tobacco marketing and purchasing controls. Questions regarding alcohol and other drug use, permit similar reporting on a national basis specific to youth in grades 7 through 9 (secondary I to III in Québec). <br> Finally, the collection of data from parents at the same time as youth responses is unique in a national survey of this type. The parent data will help in the investigation of social influence on youth smoking behaviour, provide socio-economic status items, and describe potential for exposure to tobacco smoke in private homes and cars. <br> Participating schools received a customized feedback report. The feedback report focuses on smoking and related behaviours and is intended to be relevant and prescriptive for schools and communities.