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).

GYTS

GYTS is a global standard for systematically monitoring youth tobacco use and tracking key tobacco control indicators. GYTS is a nationally representative school-based survey of students aged 13-15 years using a standard core questionnaire, sample design, and data collection and management procedures that were reviewed and approved by international experts. GYTS 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 youth aged 13-15 that attend school.

DESIGN

GYTS is designed to generate comparable data both within and across countries. The purpose of GYTS is to enhance country capacity to design, implement and evaluate tobacco-control interventions. GYTS uses a standard core questionnaire with a set of optional, adaptable questions that countries can use to measure and track key tobacco control indicators.

TIMELINE

Data collection and survey administration timelines vary from country-to-country. The WHO suggests that countries repeat a GYTS survey every 4-5 years to generate data that is comparable within and across countries.

What GYTS measures:

CESSATION

“Cessation” is quitting tobacco use. It encompasses user dependency, quit attempts, desire to quit, ability to stop smoking and help received from program or professional to quit. This indicator assesses policies that offer individuals help with quitting tobacco use.

ACCESS TO AND AVAILABILITY OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

“Access and availability” is accessibility and availability of cigarettes or tobacco products to youth. It encompasses source for a minor’s access to purchasing and obtaining cigarettes or tobacco products, and unit and cost of purchased cigarettes. This indicator assesses policies that limit the accessibility of tobacco products to youth.

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 (including at school).

PRO- AND ANTI-TOBACCO MEDIA AND ADVERTISING

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

TOBACCO USE

“Tobacco use” is defined as current and past usage; frequency and prevalence of use; amount used; susceptibility to use; type of product used. This indicator monitors tobacco use and effectiveness of prevention policies.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES

“Knowledge and Attitudes” is the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Main topics explored include beliefs about the addictiveness of tobacco, smoking in social gatherings, and dangers of secondhand smoke.

STORIES FROM THE FIELD

GYTS

Eastern Mediterranean Region

Building on the COVID-19 response momentum: Targeted anti-tobacco media messages to confront the alarming tobacco consumption in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

GATS, GYTS

Global

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

GYTS

Region of the Americas

A World No Tobacco Day Celebration in a Pandemic Scenario