Household Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Asthmatic Children in Algeria: A Multicenter Study

Passive and active tobacco smoke exposure can worsen asthma outcomes in children, yet data on its prevalence in Algeria are limited. To assess the prevalence and characteristics of tobacco smoke exposure, including prenatal and adolescent active smoking, among asthmatic children in Algeria.

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, in five pediatric consultation centers across Algeria. A total of 135 children with physician-diagnosed asthma, aged 2 months to 15 years, were enrolled. Data on demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and environmental factors were collected.

Tobacco smoke exposure was documented in 37.8% of participants, most commonly attributable to paternal smoking. In utero exposure was reported in 40% of the study population. Low-income households showed a higher prevalence of exposure compared with higher-income groups (P = 0.009). The geographic distribution of exposure varied significantly (P = 0.001). No significant association was found between tobacco smoke exposure and asthma severity or asthma control. Three adolescent patients reported active smoking.

Over one-third of Algerian children with asthma are exposed to tobacco smoke, with a substantial proportion exposed prenatally. These findings highlight the need for family-focused cessation programs and region-specific preventive actions to reduce children's exposure to tobacco smoke in Algeria.