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Smoking, the environment and meningococcal disease: a case control study
R E Stanwell-Smith1, J M Stuart, A O Hughes
1Department of Public Health Medicine, Bristol and Weston Health Authority.
Epidemiology and Infection
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Passive smoking in homes with young children significantly increases the risk of meningococcal disease (MD). Reducing parental smoking could lower MD incidence, alongside addressing household crowding and dust exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Meningococcal disease (MD) poses a significant public health risk, particularly in young children.
- Understanding environmental risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between various environmental factors and the incidence of meningococcal disease in children under 5.
- To identify specific risk factors that can inform public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed, comparing 74 confirmed cases of MD with controls.
- Data on environmental exposures, including passive smoking, household conditions, social interactions, and life events, were collected.
Main Results:
- High levels of passive smoking (≥30 cigarettes/day) showed a strong association with MD (OR 7.5), with a dose-response relationship observed.
- Significant associations were also found with household overcrowding (OR 6.0), close physical contact (kisses on the mouth, OR 2.46), exposure to building dust (OR 2.24), and stressful life events like marital arguments and legal disputes (ORs 3.0-3.10).
Conclusions:
- Passive smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for meningococcal disease in young children.
- Household crowding, exposure to building dust, and significant life stressors may also contribute to MD risk and warrant further investigation.