ESPAD

ESPAD, short for the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, is a cross-national research program that collects comparable data on adolescent substance use in Europe and some non-European regions. Established to monitor trends and inform policy, ESPAD gathers information about tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs, as well as attitudes and perceived availability. Since its inception in 1995, the project has coordinated periodic surveys roughly every four years, enabling long-term trend analysis across participating countries.

Methodology and scope: Each participating country conducts an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire in schools, typically among students aged 15 to 16. National sampling aims to produce representative data for that age group within the school system, though practices vary by country. Core questions cover prevalence of past-year and lifetime use, frequency and intensity of use, and perceptions of risk and availability, along with attitudes toward drug use and related behaviours. Data are harmonized to allow cross-country comparisons, while country-specific modules may address local priorities.

Outputs and accessibility: ESPAD results are published in ESPAD Reports, featuring country-by-country comparisons, trend analyses, and methodological notes. The ESPAD datasets and questionnaires are often publicly accessible, supporting researchers, educators, and policymakers in monitoring changes and evaluating prevention efforts. The project is widely cited in European drug policy discussions and supports cross-national dialogue on youth substance use.

Limitations and context: While ESPAD offers valuable comparative data, differences in sampling frames, translation, school participation, and non-response can affect precision across countries. The focus on mid-adolescents complements other surveys that cover older age groups, contributing to a fuller picture of substance use trajectories.

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