Other resources ebooksclub.org Building Blocks for Tobacco Control A Handbook

235 Data฀collection฀and฀processing Data collection Before initiating the collection of data, countries must participate in a workshop to train their research coordinators RCs in the GYTS standard methodology and procedures. his assures continuity across the regions, consistency in sample design and selection procedures, and questionnaire development ensuring the core remains intact, and uniformity in field procedures for data collection. Once the training workshop is over, RCs return to their respective countries and conduct the survey among students in selected schools. Each student completes a questionnaire with responses coded as filled in bubbles on answer sheets. After com- pleting the data collection of GYTS, the RCs send the survey forms answer and header sheets and school and classroom level forms to CDC for data processing. Data processing Answer sheets received by CDC are scanned using optical scanning hardware. Scanned data files proceed through a data cleaning process that includes matching record length to scanned format, reviewing non-responses out of range and missing and logic editing. Each data record is weight-adjusted for school, class and student non-participation. Finally, all records are adjusted for grade and gender stratification. here is continuing interaction between CDC staff and the RC and regional office while cleaning and editing the data file. Data analysis Once the data has been collected and processed, WHO and CDC, in collaboration with associate partners, conduct data analysis workshops to provide hands-on train- ing to the country RCs for an in-depth analysis of their data sets. Analysis workshops include training in the use of EpiInfo free software that encompasses procedures for analysing complex survey data and country report writing. Data reporting Once the data file is finalized, CDC produces 100+ Weighted Frequency Tables and 100+ Preferred Tables. CDC prepares a draft one-page fact sheet highlighting the main GYTS findings. he final data file, tables and the fact sheet are sent to the cor- responding regional office via e-mail and hard copy. 1. Tabulated data: he raw data are used in calculations for tabulated data. As part of the data processing for GYTS, CDC prepares two types of tables, Weighted Fre- quency and Preferred Tables: •฀ he Weighted Frequency Tables are produced as separate tables for each question in the country questionnaires. Tabulations are given for total, by gender and by grade. •฀ A set of Preferred Tables is produced by CDC, which translates each core question, based on historical classification and including cross comparisons, into variables that are utilized as indicators to monitor tobacco activity within the country.