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The Northwestern Health Unit has gained some insight into the district’s grade 9-12 student’s health.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo collected the data in partnership with schools across the region during the 2023/24 school year.
The study measured health behaviours such as cannabis use, mental health, physical activity, alcohol, and tobacco use.
“This data provides valuable insights into the everyday life experiences and health behaviours of local youth. Communities, organizations, and schools can use this information to plan programs and policies aimed at improving health outcomes for youth,” said the health unit’s Health Promotion Coordinator, Stephanie Cran. “As students return to class, the results highlight the importance of supporting new school policies this fall that aim to reduce youth vaping rates and screen time.”
The most notable statistics can be found below:
- 29 per cent of students used a vape in the past 30 days
- 46 per cent of never-smokers are susceptible to start smoking in the future
- 34 per cent reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days
- Among alcohol-ever users, 14 per cent reported riding in a vehicle when the driver had been drinking alcohol, in the past 30 days
- 25 per cent reported using cannabis in the past 30 days
- Among cannabis-ever users, 22 per cent reported riding in a vehicle when the driver had been using cannabis, in the past 30 days
- Only 1 per cent are meeting the national guideline of 2 hours or less of recreational screen time per day
- Seven per cent sometimes go to bed hungry because there is not enough money to buy food
The data collection is being done through a cohort study called COMPASS which is conducted in schools across the country.
Students in the NWHU’s region have been participating in the survey since 2012-13.
For more information on the study click here.
The full report for the Northwestern Health Unit can be found here.
