Passive smoking among children with chronic respiratory disease

J Asthma. 1992;29(4):265-72. doi: 10.3109/02770909209048941.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and source of passive smoke exposure among children with chronic respiratory diseases and compare these to both a well child and nonrespiratory chronic illness child population. Rates and source of passive smoke exposure were compared among four child groups: asthma, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and well children using a questionnaire mailed to the parents of the selected children. Twenty percent of respondents reported current smoking with a significantly higher rate among the cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis groups. One-third of all children surveyed were exposed to passive smoke at home and/or day care on a daily basis. Over 80% of the asthma and cystic fibrosis respondents reported a change in smoking behavior (i.e., smoking outside the home or smoking fewer cigarettes) after the diagnosis of their child's illness as compared with only 40% of the nonrespiratory groups. Health care providers need to inquire about potential sources of passive smoke exposure in their patients, particularly children with chronic respiratory disease.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / epidemiology
  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cystic Fibrosis / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maryland / epidemiology
  • Parents
  • Prevalence
  • Regression Analysis
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution