Perceptions of Patients with Respiratory Disorders About Environmental Smoke

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pulmonology
• Public Health

Background:

• Environmental smoke exposure, including secondhand and thirdhand smoke (SHS/THS), is a significant public health concern.
• The long-term respiratory effects of toxic pollutants from smoke exposure are not fully understood.
• Vulnerable populations, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory diseases, may be disproportionately affected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge and awareness of smoke exposure risks among patients with respiratory diseases.
• To investigate the relationship between different types of smoke exposure and respiratory conditions.
• To identify factors influencing patients' understanding of SHS/THS detrimental effects.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 911 current smokers admitted to outpatient clinics.
• Medical examinations and pulmonary function assessments were conducted.
• The Bath Thirdhand Smoking questionnaire (BATHS) was administered to evaluate THS exposure knowledge.

Main Results:

• 35.3% of participants had COPD, and 24.9% had asthma; 62.5% reported moderate to severe SHS exposure.
• Patients with COPD and asthma showed lower scores on specific BATHS subscales, indicating less awareness.
• Higher awareness scores (BATHS) correlated with younger age, higher education, employment, higher income, less SHS exposure, shorter disease duration, better lung function, smoking cessation clinic attendance, and having young children at home.

Conclusions:

• A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the adverse effects of environmental smoke exposure in patients with respiratory diseases.
• Educational interventions targeting active smokers are crucial to reduce active and passive smoking.
• Public health initiatives should focus on improving awareness and reducing exposure to SHS/THS among at-risk populations.