The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance to the conduct of the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). The survey is undertaken by the PSA in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH).

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.

Some of the major data items to be collected in this survey includes:

a. Demographic characteristics of tobacco users;
b. Smoking habit;
c. Use of electronic cigarette, heated tobacco products, and smokeless tobacco;
d. Factors affecting cessation of tobacco use;
e. Exposure to secondhand smoke;
f. Economics of manufactured cigarettes;
g. Exposure to media and advertisements;
h. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions; and
i. Labels in cigarette packs

Meanwhile, results of the 2015 GATS showed that:

a. There were 23.8 percent (16.6 million) adults reported as tobacco users in any form. Overall, 18.7 percent (13.1 million) of adults currently smoke tobacco daily with an average of 11 cigarettes per day.
b. An estimated 21.5 percent of adults (3.6 million) were exposed to tobacco smoke in enclosed areas at the workplace in the past month.
c. Among daily cigarette smokers, the average monthly expenditures were PhP 678.4.
d. There were 40.5 percent of adults that noticed the cigarette marketing in stores where cigarettes are sold and 9.6 percent of adults noticed logos that promote cigarettes on clothing or other items.

The detailed results of the 2015 GATS can be accessed at: https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2015GATSCountryRepor....

The survey will utilize a total budget of PhP 46 million, and will interview a total of 20,292 households and individuals nationwide from 11 to 16 October 2021. Results of the survey are scheduled to be released on 01 June 2022.

The 2021 GATS was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10625 to:

a. ensure sound design for data collection;
b. minimize the burden placed upon respondents;
c. effect economy in statistical data collection;
d. eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts; and
e. achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, the PSA enjoins the public to support the 2021 GATS by providing the required information. Authorized PSA interviewers will visit the sample households and individuals to conduct the personal interview.

For further information on SSRCS, please contact the Statistical Standards Division of the Standards Service with telephone numbers (02) 8376-1928 or (02) 8376-1931, and email addresses: ssd.staff@psa.gov.ph or ssdss.staff@gmail.com.

DENNIS S. MAPA, Ph.D.
Undersecretary
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General

See more at the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) landing page.