Citation

Hammond D, Ahmed R, Yang WS, Brukhalter R, Leatherdale S. Can. J. Public Health 2011; 102(1): 7-12.

Affiliation

Department of Health Studies & Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON. dhammond@uwaterloo.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Canadian Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21485960

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Substance use among youth is associated with a range of immediate and long-term health risks. The current study sought to characterize early patterns of illicit drug use among Canadian youth. METHODS: Nationally representative surveys were conducted in 2002 (n = 11,757), 2004 (n = 16,705), 2006 (n = 27,030), and 2008 (n = 24,752) with students in grades 7 to 9 as part of Health Canada's Youth Smoking Survey (YSS). In 2008, students in grades 10-12 were also included in the survey (n = 20,673). RESULTS: In 2008, approximately 21% of youth in grades 7-9 reported drinking at least once a month in the past year, 26% reported previous tobacco use, 17% reported trying cannabis, while 13% reported trying another substance, including glue, non-medical use of prescription drugs, hallucinogens, and amphetamines. Compared to 2006, the number of youth in grades 7-9 who reported ever trying glue decreased significantly in 2008, whereas those who reported ever trying MDMA and non-medical use of prescription drugs had increased. Males were significantly more likely to report use for most but not all substances across survey years. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable portion of Canadians aged 13 to 15 reported experimenting with illegal substances. The findings provide the most comprehensive national trends in substance use among young Canadians.

Language: en