ABOUT GTSS

The Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) is the largest surveillance system in the world. GTSS comprises four active components: The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), Tobacco Questions for Surveys (TQS) and Tobacco Questions for Surveys of Youth (TQS-Youth).

GATS

GATS is a global standard for systematically monitoring adult tobacco use and tracking key tobacco control indicators. GATS is a nationally representative household survey of adults 15 years of age or older using a standard core questionnaire, sample design, and data collection and management procedures that were reviewed and approved by international experts. GATS is intended to enhance the capacity of countries to design, implement and evaluate tobacco control interventions outlined in the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) through the MPOWER policy package.

To access this information, simply explore the GTSS data by country or survey type.

PARTICIPANTS

The target population includes all civilian, non-institutionalized men and women aged 15 years or older.

DESIGN

GATS is designed to generate comparable data both within and across countries. The multi-stage, geographically clustered design also allows for further analysis defined by residence and gender. Countries that repeat the survey can make “change-over-time” comparisons as well.

TIMELINE

Fieldwork and survey administration timelines vary from country-to-country. The proposed schedule of a six to 13 week period must include a minimum of four attempts to complete the Household Questionnaire and the Individual Questionnaire.

What GATS measures:

TOBACCO USE

“Tobacco use” is defined as current and past usage; frequency and prevalence of use; amount used; and type of product used. “Use” is determined by age group, sex, income and other demographic subdivisions (both nationally and by province/region). This indicator monitors tobacco use and effectiveness of prevention policies.

SECONDHAND SMOKE

“Secondhand smoke” is defined as smoke inhaled by a person who is not actively engaged in smoking. Secondhand smoke has at least 50 cancer-producing chemicals and contributes to a range of diseases. This indicator assesses smoke-free laws and policies that protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke in the home or public spaces.

CESSATION

“Cessation” is quitting tobacco use. It encompasses user dependency, quit attempts, intention to quit, ability to stop smoking and advice from healthcare providers to quit. This indicator assesses policies that offer individuals help with quitting tobacco use.

DANGERS OF TOBACCO USE

“Dangers of tobacco use” includes providing warning labels on tobacco products; linking tobacco use to increased risk for serious illness; and anti-tobacco messaging in the media. This indicator assesses policies that provide comprehensive warnings about the dangers of tobacco.

ADVERTISEMENTS

“Advertisements” encompasses anti-tobacco information as well as the advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco. This indicator assesses policies that enforce comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising.

ECONOMICS

“Economics” includes cigarette affordability, cost and expenditure as well as the percentage of gross domestic product spent on cigarettes. This indicator assesses policies that raise the cost of tobacco products.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS

This indicator assesses knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Main topics explored include tobacco’s link to serious illness and various diseases; awareness of the Tobacco Control Act.

STORIES FROM THE FIELD

GATS

Romania

The Importance of Including Questions on the Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products in Tobacco Surveys

GATS, GYTS

Global

Addressing global tobacco control through research partnerships utilizing Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) data

GATS

Global

Cessation Success Stories: Highlights from GTSS Academy