Operational experience in applying school-based risk factor surveillance surveys

Surveillance and risk factor monitoring are essential components of chronic diseases control. We present the experience of the Colombian National Cancer Institute with the application of two school-based surveys: The Global Youth Tobacco Survey - GYTS-and The Global School Health Survey - GSHS-. The surveys were conducted in five cities: Bogota, Bucaramanga, Cali, Manizales and Valledupar. We describe operative topics aimed at evaluating the viability of surveys to be established as the basis of a regular chronic disease surveillance system. A self-administered questionnaire in schools is a feasible method for surveillance systems given their low costs, simple application, and reproducibility.