Thirdhand smoke beliefs, exposure status and associated factors among young people in China: A cross-sectional study

Thirdhand smoke is an emerging threat to global public health. There is no research on young people's exposure to thirdhand smoke in China. This study aims to investigate the exposure status and beliefs of thirdhand smoke among young Chinese people and provide a reference for policy regarding thirdhand smoke.

Data from the 2022 Chinese Resident Psychological and Behavioral Survey were used to select young people aged 15-24 years. A total of 11781 subjects were included in this study. Demographic information, beliefs about thirdhand smoke, and exposure status to thirdhand smoke were investigated.

Among the participants, 47.8% reported being exposed to thirdhand smoke (males: 49.1%, females: 47.0%). Young people living in urban areas (AOR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.91, p<0.001) and those with a monthly family income >12000 RMB (AOR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.71-0.92, p=0.001) were less likely to be exposed to thirdhand smoke. Young people with junior high school education or higher, and current or former smokers, were more likely to be exposed to thirdhand smoke. There is room for improvement in the beliefs about thirdhand smoke among young people.

Thirdhand smoke exposure is an issue that should be addressed in public health policy. Young people with low income and current or former smokers are populations that should be mainly focused on in public education and prevention work on thirdhand smoke.