Institute for Social Research

Current Projects
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Health Care Experience Survey

This province-wide study measures the public's access to physicians by interviewing a random selection of Ontarians on their experiences seeking primary health care. The Institute is completing approximately 11,200 telephone interviews across Ontario this year. Respondents will be asked about their satisfaction with health care in Ontario, their personal health and if they have a family doctor. This study is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care under the direction of Sten Ardal, Director, Health Analytics. To learn more about the study visit www.ontario.ca/healthsurvey or call ServiceOntario at 1-866-979-9300 (toll free). At ISR contact David Northrup, Associate Director, 416-736-5467 or leave a message at 1-888-847-0148.

Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) Study

The goal of this study is to gather timely data for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating public health programs and services across Ontario. Modeled after a study first conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, the RRFSS study gathers data which is used to monitor key public health issues such as asthma rates, smoking, drinking and driving, sun safety, women's health issues, bicycle helmet use, water testing in private wells, rates of rabies vaccinations, and so on. Throughout 2013 the Institute will conduct approximately 21,000 telephone interviews with residents in the regions served by each participating Public Health Department. Funding for the study is being provided by the individual Health Departments. Liza Mercier is directing the study at ISR.

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS)

This biennial study of student awareness and use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs was initiated in 1977 by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Now spanning more than 30 years, the OSDUHS is the longest ongoing school survey in Canada, and one of the longest in the world. The Institute has conducted this survey for CAMH since 1981, and is currently undertaking its 17th wave of this study. The survey, which now includes measures of student mental and physical well-being, will be administered in classrooms across Ontario to approximately 11,500 students in grades 7 through 12 between October 2012 and May 2013. This comprehensive strategy facilitates comparisons between Canadian and American studies, and provides information on the critical age patterns associated with smoking, drinking, drug use, and physical and mental well-being. Funding is provided by the Government of Ontario. CAMH’s Dr. Robert Mann is the principal investigator, and the study is managed by CAMH research analyst Angela Boak. John Pollard is the ISR study director.

2013 Cyclical Program Review

Each year, the Institute surveys undergraduate and graduate students in selected programs as part of the University's Cyclical Program Review. On a rotating basis, each degree program is assessed every eight years. Depending on the size of the program, student feedback is collected using an online survey, a mail survey, or a focus group. A 'core' set of questions provides standardized information about all students such as perceptions about the quality of teaching and the curriculum, the availability and thematic coherence of courses, and the quality of services such as advising and responding to complaints. ISR also assists programs in developing additional questions to address specific issues or concerns. In the 2012-2013 academic year, the experiences and opinions of approximately 4,000 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students will be gathered. Only summary results, in which any individual cannot be identified, are provided to the programs by ISR. Liza Mercier manages this project at the Institute.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor

First implemented in 1977, the CAMH Monitor is the longest ongoing addiction and mental health survey among adults in Canada. The survey is designed to serve as the primary vehicle for monitoring substance use and mental health problems among Ontario adults. The CAMH Monitor provides trend data in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, mental health, as well as gauges public opinion toward tobacco and alcohol policies. In addition, the CAMH Monitor explores new topics, previously unmeasured, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. In 2013, the Institute will conduct approximately 3,000 telephone interviews among Ontarians. This study is conducted on behalf of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health with funding from the Government of Ontario. CAMH’s Dr. Robert Mann is the principal investigator, and the study is managed at CAMH by research coordinator Anca Ialomiteanu. John Pollard is the ISR study director.

CANPLAY Pedometer Study

Canada's study on Physical Activity Levels Among Youth is a survey designed to collect comprehensive and accurate information on the physical activity levels of Canadian children and youth via pedometers. Approximately 10,000 children and youth were initially selected from across Canada for the 2007 survey. The survey will be conducted annually until 2012. The research is being conducted for the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) a not-for-profit research agency that has been studying the physical activity patterns of Canadians since 1981.

Funding for the project comes from the Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments through the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Principal Investigator for the CANPLAY project at the CFLRI is Christine Cameron and Cora Lynn Craig is the Co-Investigator. Richard Myles is directing this study at the Institute.

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