The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) enjoins the public to support the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2021 GATS) on 03 November to 04 December 2021. PSA is conducting this survey commissioned by the Department of Health (DOH). The 2021 GATS is a nationally representative household survey of adults 15 years of age or older designed to systematically monitor adult tobacco use. Technical support for this DOH-funded survey is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), US Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), and Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International.
The 2021 GATS aims to gather information on adult tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) and key tobacco control indicators across countries. Specifically, it intends to provide estimates of tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoking, quit attempts, and other key tobacco control indicators at the urban/rural level.
The 2021 GATS is the third survey of its kind to be administered in the country. In between 2009 and 2015, effective strides were made in regard to tobacco control measures. These include restructuring of excise taxes on tobacco products, development and implementation of tobacco ordinances by Local Government Units (LGUs), placement of graphic health warnings in packages and billboards, and implementation of 100% smoke-free policies.
The 2021 GATS uses a geographically clustered multistage sampling methodology to identify the specific households that will be interviewed. The interview, which will be conducted using an electronic data collection device, consists of two (2) parts: the Household Questionnaire and Individual Questionnaire. Authorized PSA field interviewers will visit the sample households and individuals to conduct the personal interview. For PSA-Benguet Provincial Statistical Office, there were 22 Field Interviewers and five Team Supervisors to visit the 2,062 sample households in Baguio City and 98 sample households in Benguet.
The PSA adheres to the principles of transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality pursuant to R.A. No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and R.A. No. 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013. All information gathered on the survey are confidential and not for disclosure unless authorized by law. Moreover, PSA will release data only in the form of summaries or statistical tables.
The office assures the public that required public health and safety measures to contain COVID-19 will be strictly observed in all phases of field operations. All PSA personnel and hired field interviewers and team supervisors who will be deployed are in good health condition and will strictly follow precautionary measures against COVID-19, such as wearing of face mask and face shield, physical distancing, proper hygiene and sanitation, and wearing of PSA ID. They shall likewise observe all protocols laid down by the Local Government Units (LGUs). By Imelda L. Buyuccan
