title: Methodology of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Malaysia, 2011.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Malaysia participated in the second phase of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2011. GATS, a new component of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System, is a nationally representative household survey of adults 15 years old or above. The objectives of GATS Malaysia were to (i) systematically monitor tobacco use among adults and track key indicators of tobacco control and (ii) track the implementation of some of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC)-recommended demand related policies.
  
  
  METHODS
  GATS Malaysia 2011 was a nationwide cross-sectional survey using multistage stratified sampling to select 5112 nationally representative households. One individual aged 15 years or older was randomly chosen from each selected household and interviewed using handheld device. GATS Core Questionnaire with optional questions was pre-tested and uploaded into handheld devices after repeated quality control processes. Data collectors were trained through a centralized training. Manuals and picture book were prepared to aid in the training of data collectors and during data collection. Field-level data were aggregated on a daily basis and analysed twice a week. Quality controls were instituted to ensure collection of high quality data. Sample weighting and analysis were conducted with the assistance of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GATS Malaysia received a total response rate of 85.3% from 5112 adults surveyed. Majority of the respondents were 25-44 years old and Malays.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The robust methodology used in the GATS Malaysia provides national estimates for tobacco used classified by socio-demographic characteristics and reliable data on various dimensions of tobacco control.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Azahadi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Omar
authors.affiliation: Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Muhammad Fadhli Mohd
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Yusoff
authors.affiliation: Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Tee Guat
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Hiong
authors.affiliation: Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Tahir
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aris
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sameer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pujari
keywords: Global Adult Tobacco Survey; Malaysia; Tobacco control