NCJ Number
187413
Date Published
1999
Length
133 pages
Annotation
This guide provides information on one important tool for combatting underage drinking: the youth survey.
Abstract
Youth surveys, often conducted in schools, are one efficient way to obtain significant information about youth drinking and other drug use, including some of the characteristics of youth associated with substance use. Youth surveys should provide information on how often and how much youth are drinking; where youth obtain alcoholic beverages and where they are consumed; and the characteristics of youth most likely to use alcohol. Such information should raise community awareness of the problem and build support for preventing youth alcohol use; aid law enforcement by helping them target enforcement efforts; and help monitor the impact of prevention strategies. This guide describes an array of flexible options for conducting youth surveys to allow for adaptation to local circumstances. A chapter on the basic principles of a youth survey covers sampling, types of surveys, survey methods, confidentiality, and persuading people to participate. A chapter on planning and conducting youth surveys focuses on school surveys, survey logistics, and evaluation forms. The remaining three chapters discuss the analysis of survey data and the application of results, sampling strategies, and survey modules (measurement properties and module descriptions). 25 annotated resources and appended survey modules, samples of letters and forms, and sample report