A comparison of results of school surveys focusing on drugs in the population of Czech sixteen-year-olds was carried out with regard to the impact of the amendment to the Criminal Code (“drug-related sections”) applicable since 1999. In particular, the results of two studies: ESPAD and MládeÏ and drogy (Youth and Drugs) were compared concerning own experiences with drugs, attitudes towards and informedness about them. It is quite surprising that we can state that the increase in several negative indicators among Czech sixteen-year-olds has decelerated or nearly stopped – most likely even before the implementation of the amendment. The period, starting in 1996 – 1999 and ending in 2000 – 2001 witnessed a differentiation of experiences and attitudes towards illicit drugs in the group of sixteen-year-olds. The differentiation is based on different trends of so-called hard drugs (heroin, pervitin) and other drugs. As far as heroin and pervitin are concerned, prevalence and availability have most likely stagnated, coupled with an increase in awareness of their harmful and antisocial effects. As far as marijuana, ecstasy and hallucinogenic drugs are concerned, it is possible to state that this favourable trend did not take place. It is not likely that there was a connection between the above-mentioned changes and the amendment in question.

Epidemiologické centrum OHS Karviná

Secondary analysis of school questionnaire surveys

Sekundární analýza školních dotazníkových studií = Secondary analysis of school questionnaire surveys /

Secondary analysis of school questionnaire surveys /