Proportion of 13–15-year-olds exposed to SHS inside and outside the home

Data source
1. GYTS (1).
2. HBSC (4).

Description of data
The school-based survey contains self-reported data on tobacco use among children aged 11, 13 and 15 years.

Method of calculating the indicator
Percentage of respondents in a nationally representative survey sample.

Geographical coverage
27 Member States of the WHO European Region.

Period of coverage
2009–2010.

Frequency of update
The GYTS survey started in 1999; this factsheet presents data for 2002-2007; the data from the latest round of GYTS in 2012 are currently being processed. The HBSC survey is conducted every four years. The methodology changed in the latest round as the data were collected on smoking at least weekly while the previous rounds collected data on daily smokers.

Data quality
Data from the GYTS participant countries are considered uniform and comparable using a common methodology and core questionnaire. Other than the GYTS, there is no comparable information. This assessment suggests that there is a strong need for a harmonized mechanism for collecting information over a broader geographical area and period of time in Europe.
Ultimately, an internationally harmonized system providing surveillance of the exposure of non-smokers to SHS and monitoring the implementation of policies, as envisaged in the FCTC, should be established to permit monitoring of exposure to SHS.