Data and methods

Methodology overview

The TCDI RDC website aims to meet the information needs of government agencies, the general public, academic institutions, and civil society by making accessible high-quality data on tobacco control indicators such as smoking prevalence, morbidity, legislative and regulatory measures in the country. The design, functionality and content of the site are guided by the needs of the tobacco control community in the DRC. This document describes the general overview of the website based on the process used by TCDI DRC:

• Identification of tobacco control data needs
• Analysis of stakeholder feedback and prioritization of data needs
• Research, data collection, and analysis
• Website design
• Validation and testing of website content by stakeholders
• Finalization and publication
• Periodic updates

1. Identify data-related needs

From March to April 2022, the TCDI DRC team conducted interviews with 20 tobacco control stakeholders (including representatives from government, civil society organizations and academia) to explore how they make tobacco control decisions, the data used for those decisions, data gaps and the preferred format for data (e.g. graphs, short paragraphs, infographics). A report presenting the results of this assessment is available here. 

2. Analysis of stakeholder feedback and prioritization of needs

On May 23 and 24, 2022, these and other key tobacco control stakeholders gathered for a co-design workshop to discuss the cross-cutting data gaps identified during the interviews. A total of 30 participants discussed the results of the assessment and voted for the priority data gaps they wished to see filled by the dashboard, including a topic to be covered by primary research. The full report of the co-design workshop is available here.  

The priority data themes identified were:

1. Prevalence of tobacco consumption
2. Tobacco control legislation in the DRC
3. Taxation
4. Industry interference
5. Morbidity
6. Illicit trade (topic chosen for primary research)

3. Research, data collection and analysis

The TCDI team carried out research and data analysis for each theme, including a systematic search for reliable primary data (e.g. data collected by academic institutions, global foundations or governments) and secondary data (e.g. peer-reviewed academic articles). Where necessary, primary data was analyzed by the team’s data analysts using statistical software such as Stata. Stakeholder needs were examined in relation to the available primary and secondary data, relevant statistics and graphs were produced, and an explanatory text was written.

4. Website design

Using feedback from stakeholders during the co-design workshop as a starting point, the TCDI team designed the visual elements and functionality of the website. This process included the design of visual elements (infographics, graphic formats and colors) and user functionalities (menus, data exports and search functionalities).

5. Validation of website content by stakeholders

Three tobacco control experts were selected by theme to review the quality and reliability of the proposed content. Their comments were incorporated into the text and design of the website. The 20 tobacco control stakeholders were invited to take part in user feedback sessions through small online discussion groups, during which they opened the website link for the first time, shared their screens and recounted their experience of navigating the site. The TCDI team documented the process, noting areas for improvement and assessing whether the information met users’ data needs and whether the visual elements were clear and easy to understand. All feedback was collated to produce a stakeholder feedback matrix.

6. Finalization and publication

Based on the stakeholder feedback matrix, the TCDI team carried out additional literature searches (where necessary) to find and analyze data to fill in the remaining gaps. In addition, visual elements and functionalities were redesigned where necessary. The changes were incorporated into the website themes and the site was published online.

7. Periodic updates

The TCDI team will continue to consult with experts, review newly available data and update the website to reflect any changes. Please complete the “Showcase your work” form if you have recently available data or publications you would like to share.

Prevalence

This page provides information on the current prevalence of tobacco consumption by product, gender, age, rural/urban area, level of education, socio-economic status and province. Data are drawn from the 2013-2014 national Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in 2008.

Legislation

This page provides information on the various legislative and regulatory tobacco control measures in the DRC. In partnership with key stakeholders, the TCDI DRC team identified and compiled important measures including laws, decrees and orders from 1968 to the present day. We also present a brief overview of the application of these measures and others that are planned or under development.

Taxation

This page provides information on the tobacco tax regime in the DRC, the types of taxes applied to tobacco products, the evolution of tobacco taxation in the DRC and the ranking of tobacco tax policies in the country. In addition, this page shares the impact of tobacco tax policy in the DRC and the impact of tobacco taxes on public revenues, as well as the taxation of new products. Data from the DGDA and the Ministries of Finance and Industry are used.

Industry interference

This page provides information on the indicators of industry interference in the DRC, the tobacco market in 2021 and the market share of tobacco companies. It also covers  key myths and facts as well as the tactics used by the tobacco industry. Finally, a series of recommendations are proposed to reduce the extent of industry interference in the DRC. DGDA data, reports and articles were used for this theme.

Morbidity

This page provides information on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases related to tobacco use by gender and age group in Sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide based on published articles and reports.

Illicit trade

This theme was the focus of the primary research. The following research questions guided a study conducted using mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative): 1) What percentage of cigarettes sold in the DRC are illicit? 2) What are the sources and brands of illicit cigarettes sold in the country?