BACKGROUND: The tobacco control workforce is critical in promoting tobacco control strategies—through effective communication of tobacco-related information that amplifies data and addresses the evolving tobacco landscape. CDC and the CDC Foundation develop and disseminate eLearning courses via Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) Academy. The courses are intended to enhance and support workers’ capacity to address tobacco-related challenges in low-to-middle income countries. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the digital media messaging (course 1) and the changing tobacco product landscape (course 2) in increasing tobacco control workforce knowledge and skills about the changing media and product landscape.
METHODS: The courses collect participant data through learner check-ins, knowledge checks, and feedback surveys to assess participants’ knowledge, skills, and plans to use the course material in their work. Data from each course’s launch (September 2021 and April 2022, respectively) through October 2024 were analyzed using descriptive statistics via the survey platform to evaluate the courses’ effectiveness.
RESULTS: During the assessment period, 109 and 104 participants accessed course 1 and course 2, respectively. Data were available from 56 participants for course 1 and 70 participants for course 2. For both courses, participants agreed (94%) they enhanced their knowledge in key media and product landscape content areas. Participants reported gaining new practical skills related to tobacco control efforts (88% for course 1, 94% for course 2). Most participants intend to apply the acquired knowledge and resources to future initiatives (86% for course 1, 94% for course 2).
CONCLUSIONS: GTSS Academy offers accessible courses to enhance the tobacco control workforce capacity globally, signaling the potential for widespread impact. These courses contribute to bridging knowledge gaps and fostering actionable public health initiatives among tobacco control staff to address the changing media and product landscape.