The Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) uses the
School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) to implement the project. SHAPES can be used to create health profiles of students and school environments. SHAPES collects data from elementary or high schools on topics such as smoking, eating, physical activity, and mental fitness. The survey data are then used to generate profiles to help schools, public health agencies, and communities take action to improve the health of young people. Data can be compiled across regions, provinces, or the country to identify trends for policy and planning, and develop strategies for intervention.
Since 2000, SHAPES has collected data across Canada from elementary and high schools. We have worked with over 3,500 schools across Canada with over 600,000 participating students using SHAPES questionnaires. SHAPES data has informed and evaluated national and provincial health strategies.
