The Global School-Based Health Survey was designed to provide accurate data on health behaviors and protective factors among students, including dietary behaviors, hygiene, physical activity, drug and alcohol use, and violence and unintentional injury. It is often used to help countries develop priorities, establish programs, and advocate for resources for school health programs, policies, and youth health.

The 2009 Guatemala survey included students in grades primero, segundo, and tercero basico using a two-stage cluster sample design; 5,592 students used a self-administered questionnaire with an 86% response rate.