Prevalence and correlates of exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) among 14 to 15 year old schoolchildren in a medical officer of health area in Sri Lanka

Abstract

BackgroundDespite reports that Southeast Asia has one of the highest prevalence for childhood exposure to second hand smoke (SHS), there are limited data on SHS exposure among schoolchildren in individual countries in the region, including Sri Lanka. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of SHS among schoolchildren in a Medical Officer of Health (MOH) region in the country.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study, sampling from nice schools in one MOH region following a two-stage cluster sample design and probability proportionate to size sampling techniques. Data were obtained through a self-completed anonymous questionnaire on socio-demographic and health behaviour risk factors. We achieved an 89.5% response rate, corresponding to a total of 311 students in the final sample.ResultsThe prevalence of exposure to SHS during the previous week was 17.6% at home and 25.7% in enclosed public places. There were no significant differences in exposure to SHS between sexes. Univariable analysis found that the presence of smokers at home and mother’s unemployment status were significantly associated with a higher risk of exposure to SHS at home. These variables remained significant in multivariable analysis. Non-Sinhalese ethnicity and presence of smokers at home were significantly associated with exposure to SHS in public places, in both uni- and multivariable analysis. Unemployment status of mother was also found to be a significant determinant of exposure to SHS in public places in multivariable analysis.ConclusionDespite numerous antismoking activities and strong antismoking legislation, the prevalence of SHS exposure among schoolchildren is higher in enclosed public places than homes. The implementation and enforcement of antismoking legislation is imperative to tackle this and should be supported by the provision of education for schoolchildren and their families on the health risks of SHS. The high-risk groups identified here could be prioritised for preventive programmes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6148-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors associated with initiation of tobacco smoking among schooling adolescents in the age group of 13 – 15 years in the Kandy district, Sri Lanka

“…Our findings indicate factors associated with the initiation of tobacco smoking in this age group include sociodemographic factors, family-related factors, and especially the factors related to media use. These factors are associated with the ethnic, religious, and cultural background of adolescents and are known to play a major role in risks associated with their smoking behaviour [18] In the current study, none of the Muslim students had ever smoked. It was a significant finding in the bivariate analysis.…”

Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke among high school students in Ernakulum district, Kerala: A cross-sectional study

“…The study results are also consistent with the overall prevalence of exposure to SHS in low- and middle-income countries being 55.9%, varying from 16.45% in Tajikistan to 85.4% in Indonesia [ 15 ]. In Sri Lanka, the prevalence of exposure to SHS during the previous week was 17.6% at home and 25.7% in enclosed public places [ 31 ]. However, some countries have reported higher exposures, such as Malaysia [ 32 ] and Thailand [ 33 ] at 56.4% and 48.6%, respectively, although in the Malaysian study it is not clear whether the results refer to SHS exposure at home or also include other places.…”

“…This is probably because unskilled workers are less educated, may not be aware of the risks of SHS exposure and may also spend more time at home due to the uncertainty in their job. A similar study in Ernakulam found that father's lower educational status was an important determinant [ 29 ] and in Sri Lanka, mother's unemployment status was a significant determinant of exposure to SHS, which could also be a proxy for lower educational status [ 31 ]. The vulnerable population in the lower rungs of socioeconomic status appear to be impacted to a greater extent by SHS exposure.…”

Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Educational Self-Regulation and Achievement in First Grade High School Students

“…Given that the outdoor environment was divided into two groups, namely inside the car and public space, in the present study, the total exposure in these two environments was 54.7, which is consistent with the above survey. In a study conducted in Sri Lanka in 2018, the findings suggested that exposure to SHS in this country was higher in public places than at home [ 25 ].…”