Parental Risk Perceptions of Child Exposure to Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke In Al-Ahsaa

Parental smoking has been linked with increased rates of sudden infant death syndrome, otitis media, chronic middle ear effusion, acute respiratory infections, asthma, and decreased lung growth.

Objectives:

To analyze the perception of parents regarding passive smoking . To understand if awareness has any effect on their smoking behavior.

Methods:

A cross–sectional study was conducted In 2018 from the community of Al– Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 429 participants participated in the study. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 22.

Results:

Showed that 25% of children exposed to second hand smoking. Also, low level of awareness about the risks of second–hand smoking. P– value <0.05.

Conclusion:

Children are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, which was made evident by the data. As well, a lack of knowledge regarding second–hand smoking and the adverse effects on their children’s health.