CASE STUDY – Lifestyles of 14-15 Year Olds in West Sussex
This survey was conducted by West Sussex Public Health Observatory in the summer
term of 2006. The aims of the survey were to:
- provide an overview of the health and social behaviour of young people
in West Sussex schools
- to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviour among young people, such as
cigarette smoking, drug taking and alcohol consumption
- to make the findings of the survey available to schools, local residents
and relevant agencies in order to better understand the avoidable risk
factors
- to provide information to guide organisations and policy makers in
planning health promotion interventions and to assist them in making
services young people centred.
Survey Method
All schools with year 10 pupils were written to asking them to take part in
the survey.
Co-operation
30 schools agreed to participate (26 LA maintained schools, 4 independent). 10
LA maintained and 10 independent declined to take part.
Parental ConsentParents were notified of the survey in advance and given the option to withdraw
their child.Sample Size
Total eligible pupils in the 30 participating schools = 6,709. 154 pupils
withdrawn from survey at parents request; 1,263 did not complete questionnaire
for reasons such as sickness, exams, work experience and unauthorised absence.
Response rate
5,292 completed questionnaires – 79% of pupils in participating schools. |
