Chapter 13. Substance Use – Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) in Canada: Focus on Relationships
Although the continuing decline of cigarette smoking among adolescents in Canada is good news, the emergence of e-cigarettes use among adolescents bears watching. At present, the research is limited on the health effects of the liquids in e-cigarettes, and it is unclear whether they serve as a route to nicotine dependence and regular tobacco use […]
Chapter 14. Sexual Health – Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) in Canada: Focus on Relationships
Sexual health is an important aspect of adolescent development, and the results from the most recent HBSC study are in line with other evidence in Canada that suggests sexual health is continuing to improve among adolescents in Grades 9 and 10 (Poon et al., 2015; McKay & Barrett, 2010). That youth are waiting longer before […]
Chasing the rainbow: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth and pride semiotics
Abstract While the pride rainbow has been part of political and social intervention for decades, few have researched how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer young people perceive and use the symbol. How do lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth who experience greater feelings of isolation and discrimination than heterosexual youth recognise and deploy […]
Being Safe, Being Me: Results of the Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey
A national study by SARAVYC showed that while Canada’s transgender youth face significant physical and mental health issues, strong family, school and community connections help many of them navigate these challenges. The study, funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research and completed in collaboration with universities and health researchers across Canada, was the first […]
Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey Infographics
Two infographics from the 2014 Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey. One infographic outlines the key findings from the survey while the other outlines the recommendations.
Ethnic identity and sexual initiation among East Asian youth in Canada
Abstract Despite the large number of East Asian youth in Canada, little is known about their health and risk behaviors. We examined the relationship between ethnic identity and sexual initiation among East Asians. This secondary analysis of a population-based survey selected 4,311 students in 7-12th grades who described themselves as East Asian (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, […]
Tobacco use among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abstract Initiation of smoking behavior during adolescence is associated with negative health outcomes. Understanding initiation of smoking behavior in adolescents in relation to other behavioral, health, and environmental factors is essential for effective behavioral modification. The aim of this study was to describe tobacco use behaviors among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and related demographic […]
How many is too many for BC youth? Alcohol use and associated harms
Although the legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years, many youth begin to experiment with alcohol before this age. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption by youth under the age of 19 is associated with an increased likelihood of involvement in health risks, such as a vehicle crash or a sexual or physical […]
Urban and rural student substance use: Technical report
Differences in economic, cultural, social and educational factors between urban and rural areas in Canada might influence behavioural and mental health outcomes. However, most research assessing differences in urban and rural patterns of substance use has been conducted in the United States. Within Canada, information is limited on whether students who attend urban and rural […]
Our communities, our youth: The health of homeless and street-involved youth in BC
Homeless and street-involved youth are among the most vulnerable populations in Canada and experience significant health inequities. The 2014 Homeless and Street-Involved Youth Survey (HSIYS) captured information from youth living in 13 diverse communities across British Columbia between October 2014 and January 2015. A total of 689 youth (aged 12–19 years) participated, from which we […]