ABSTRACT

The chapter describes two surveys carried out to establish the health education needs of young people in Canada. The purposes of the Canada Health Knowledge Survey (King et al, 1983) are described. The target population were Canadians aged 9, 12 and 15 years. A two-stage cluster sampling method was used. The content of the survey was validated by an advisory body of health education specialists. The findings indicated major need of improvement in the knowledge of several health topics. The Canada Health Attitudes and Behaviours Survey (Comprehensive Healthcare Consultants Ltd, 1985) surveyed health-related attitudes and behaviours of youths aged 9,12 and 15 years. The findings are described. They were disseminated through a series of workshops, written reports and the media. The evaluation of the dissemination was positive and although the workshops were too short, common health education strategies emerged across Canada. Policy and programme changes and health education initiatives motivated by the findings of the two surveys are described.