Comparison of two types of KABP surveys on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the results of two types o f surveys frequently used in France to monitor alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug consumptions. Methods: Data from a random sample phone survey (1993 18-75 year old French adults in November anti December 1995), a quota sample face-to-face survey (1000 18-75 year old French adults in November 1995) and other sources (sa les statistics and other surveys) were compared. Results: Results from the two types of surveys were similar for alcohol and tobacco consumption prevalence. Concerning smoking prevalence, the random survey gave an estimate of 35.5% for the smokers ratio versus 35.2% with th e quota sample survey. The daily alcohol consumer percentage was 20.9% and 22.1% respectively with the random and the quota sample surveys. Difference s were observed for attitudes and illegal substances consumption: the rando m sample phone survey, estimated at 15.5% people using drug during their li fe versus 13.9% for the quota sample face-to-face survey. Conclusions: Quota sampling and face-to-face surveys can be used to monitor alcohol, tobacco consumption and to a lesser Extent, drug consumption tren ds, especially by repeated surveys, instead of random sample phone survey w hich are more time and money consuming.