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Passive smoking among children with chronic respiratory disease

A M Butz1, B J Rosenstein

  • 1Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Department of Pediatrics, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Children with chronic respiratory diseases face significant passive smoke exposure. Parents of children with asthma and cystic fibrosis modified smoking behaviors post-diagnosis, highlighting the need for healthcare provider intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Passive smoke exposure is a significant environmental risk factor for respiratory health in children.
  • Children with chronic respiratory diseases may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of secondhand smoke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and sources of passive smoke exposure in children with chronic respiratory diseases.
  • To compare exposure rates and sources between children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and healthy children.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire was mailed to parents of children in four groups: asthma, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and well children.
  • The questionnaire assessed passive smoke exposure at home and/or daycare and parental smoking behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Twenty percent of respondents reported current smoking, with higher rates in cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis groups.
  • One-third of all surveyed children experienced daily passive smoke exposure at home and/or daycare.
  • Over 80% of parents of children with asthma and cystic fibrosis reported behavior changes regarding smoking post-diagnosis, compared to 40% in non-respiratory groups.

Conclusions:

  • Children with chronic respiratory diseases, especially asthma and cystic fibrosis, are frequently exposed to passive smoke.
  • Parental smoking behavior modification occurs more frequently after a child's diagnosis, suggesting a window for intervention.
  • Healthcare providers should actively inquire about passive smoke exposure in children, particularly those with chronic respiratory conditions.

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