Study of environmental tobacco smoke exposure rate among 18-30 years old people in Yazd and its associations with health beliefs and social pressure

Introduction: Youths’ environmental tobacco smoke exposure is a significant public health problem in the world. There is no valid data regarding this problem in Iran. The aim of this study was determining the problem status and examining its associations with health beliefs and social pressure among 18 - 30 years old people in Yazd. Method: Total number of 300, 18-30 years old people entered in this cross-sectional study with a clustered sampling. Data were collected with a questionnaire which measured some demographic variables, environmental tobacco smoke exposure status, perceived severity, perceived barriers, cues to action, perceived social pressure and self efficacy. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire was examined and approved. Results: 42.7 % reported that in last 7 days at least on day were in the same room with someone who was smoking cigarette and 53.3 % reported that in the last 7 days at least one day ride in a car with someone who was smoking cigarette and also 52.7% reported that in the last 7 days at least one day stayed in the same open space with someone who was smoking cigarette. Perceived social pressure was significantly associated with environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Men had a significantly higher level of environmental tobacco exposure, perceived severity, perceived social pressure and lower level of perceived barriers and self efficacy. Smokers and those who had a smoker family member had been exposed significantly more on environmental tobacco smoke. Conclusion: A high percent of Iranian youths expose environmental tobacco smoke and perceived social pressure is an important related factor. Regarding high risky health problems of passive smoking, educational interventional programs are necessary.