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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, and the second longest in North America. 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, physical activity, and risk behaviour, as well as identifying risk and protective factors. Typically, the OSDUHS surveys thousands of students in over 150 elementary and secondary schools across Ontario. 

This survey is important because it provides current and reliable information about the health risk behaviour, attitudes and beliefs of Ontario adolescents, and tracks changes over time. 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 adolescent health and well-being. Topics covered include: tobacco, alcohol and other drug use and harmful consequences of use, mental health indicators, physical health indicators, health care utilization, body image, gambling and video gaming behaviours and problems, violence and bullying, criminal behaviours, school connectedness, and family life.

 

2009 OSDUHS Drug Use Report

Drug use findings from the 2009 OSDUHS are available to download. The findings are published in a detailed report, as well as in a brief highlights report:

• Drug Use Among Ontario Students, 1977-2009: OSDUHS Highlights (PDF, 340 Kb)
• Drug Use Among Ontario Students, 1977-2009: Detailed OSDUHS Findings (PDF, 1.7 Mb)

 

2009 OSDUHS Mental Health and Well-Being Report

Mental health and well-being findings from the 2009 OSDUHS are available to download. The findings are published in a detailed report, as well as in a brief highlights report:  

• The Mental Health and Well-Being of Ontario Students, 1991-2009: OSDUHS Highlights (PDF, 446 Kb)
• The Mental Health and Well-Being of Ontario Students, 1991-2009: Detailed OSDUHS Findings (PDF, 1.2 Mb)