Why the children are at risk in their homes by exposing environmental tobacco smoke?

Background

Children are at greater risk than adults to the effects of inhaling environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) especially in their homes. The aim of this study was to assess parents’ knowledge regarding the risks of ETS to the health of their children and the barriers to reducing children’s ETS exposure.

Methods

We conducted 53 home-based interviews, in semi-urban city  where children were exposed to ETS in various locations. We collected information from the parents regarding their knowledge of ETS effects, smoking behaviors in homes (patterns of restrictions), barriers to quitting smoking or reducing ETS exposure, respects and social attitudes toward parents who ban smoking in their child’s environment, the impact of the smoke-free legislation.

Results

Some parents reported  health care professions did not inform them about the dangers of ETS and smoking even during pregnancy and child bearing. Most reported that they restricted smoking in their homes, with a range of spatial restrictions which were frequently modified by relational factors, the desire to be seen to act in socially and morally acceptable ways. The strategies they used were ineffective. Parents would like to quit smoking but most felt that they could not stop because of the lack of will power. The meaning of the hospitality as somewhere social habits, traditions were important underlying factors. There were diverse views on the smoke-free legislation. Most of them think that it will have a positive impact on reducing second-hand smoking but they don’t believe that the restrictions could be implemented.

Conclusion

The knowledge, relationships with family and friends and the social and cultural context, in which families live, play an important role in the management of smoke exposure in the homes. Despite these factors, the awareness of the risks of ETS, and smoke free legislation can provide opportunities to support people attain smoke-free homes.