Although smoking has been identified as major cause of illness and death, the trends of tobacco use in many developing countries are not well measured. The DSS serves as useful platform for measuring incidence and trend of smoking among population. The introduction of one or two questions into an existing data collection tool in a particular round on an annual or biannual basis is easily done.

The NHRCNavarongo DSS in Ghana embarked on a study, which was aimed at assessing the prevalence of tobacco smoking in the Kassena-Nankana district. It covered all resident compound members who were 12 years or older at the time of the survey. The study first looked at each individual’s previous and current smoking status. For those who smoked or had ever smoked, information was sought regarding the frequency of smoking, and the brand and quantity of cigarette or tobacco smoked. Questions were also asked on the age at which the respondent started smoking. For ex-smokers questions were asked on the age at which they quit the practice.  Attached is a sample questionnaire.