[Comparison of two types of behavior and attitude surveys on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use].

The aim of this study was to compare the results of two types of surveys frequently used in France to monitor alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug consumptions. Data from a random sample phone survey (1993 18-75 year old French adults in November and December 1995), a quota sample face-to-face survey (1000 18-75 year old French adults in November 1995) and other sources (sales statistics and other surveys) were compared. 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 the quota sample survey. The daily alcohol consumer percentage was 20.9% and 22.1% respectively with the random and the quota sample surveys. Differences were observed for attitudes and illegal substances consumption: the random sample phone survey estimated at 15.5% people using drug during their life versus 13.9% for the quota sample face-to-face survey. Quota sampling and face-to-face surveys can be used to monitor alcohol, tobacco consumption and to a lesser extent, drug consumption trends, especially by repeated surveys, instead of random sample phone survey which are more time and money consuming.