Residential secondhand smoke in a densely populated urban setting: a qualitative exploration of psychosocial impacts, views and experiences

Abstract

Background People remain exposed to secondhand smoke, a serious health hazard, inside their home as households face challenges in setting no-smoking rules or are exposed to secondhand smoke drifting in from neighbouring homes. This study explores the psychosocial impacts, views, and experiences with residential secondhand smoke in a densely populated urban setting. Methods In-depth online or face to face interviews with 18 key informants who had been involved in public discourse, policy, advocacy or handling complaints related to residential secondhand smoke, 14 smokers, and 16 non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke inside their home. All participants were residents of Singapore, a densely populated, multi-ethnic city-state. Interview transcripts were coded in NVivo using a deductive and inductive coding process. Findings Secondhand smoke has wide-reaching impacts on physical and psychosocial wellbeing, even if smokers tried to minimise secondhand smoke. Feelings of anxiety and stress are generally tied to feeling discomfort in one’s personal space, a perceived lack of control over the situation, resentment towards smokers, and concerns over the health effects. Family, community, and cultural dynamics add complexities to tackling the issue, especially in patriarchal households. Secondhand smoke exposure from neighbours is considered a widespread issue, exacerbated by structural factors such as building layout and the COVID-19 pandemic. Resolving the issue amicably is considered challenging due to the absence of regulations and a reluctance to stir up conflict with neighbours. While smokers took measures to reduce secondhand smoke, these were described as ineffective by other participants. Smokers appeared to have contrasting views from other participants on what it means to smoke in a socially responsible manner. Conclusion Given the wide-reaching psychosocial impacts of residential secondhand smoke, there is a case for stronger interventions, especially in densely populated urban settings where it is more difficult to avoid.

Patrón de consumo de drogas por parte de los adolescentes y su asociación con la dinámica familiar

“…O uso do tabaco, principalmente na adolescência, tornou-se um problema mundial de saúde pública relacionado a mais de 200 tipos de doenças, como as doenças crônicas, dentre elas a hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus e as doenças respiratórias. A fumaça produzida pelo uso do tabaco, como no caso do cigarro tradicional, pode gerar repercussões para aqueles que são fumantes ativos e passivos, como câncer de pulmão, câncer de mama, asma, estresse, dores de cabeça, sintomas respiratórios, dores no peito e dificuldades para respirar (15) .…”

Machine-learning model for predicting depression in second-hand smokers in cross-sectional data using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“… 8 Several studies have indicated that SHS is closely associated with a psychosocial environment that increases the risk of depression. 8 – 10 Non-smokers who are chronically and persistently exposed to SHS may have a lower overall socioeconomic status and a higher likelihood of being in stressful environments than those without SHS exposure. 11 SHS in women, who have a higher proportion of low socioeconomic status than men, is associated with higher levels of depression.…”

Youths’ awareness and attitudes towards raising the minimum legal age of smoking and passive smoking in Singapore

“…Evidence has emerged to reveal the association between passive smoking and lung cancer, invasive meningococcal disease, and allergic disease ( 20 ). Singaporeans, both young and old, are at high risk for passive smoking due to proximity between multi-unit residential areas which are inhabited by 80% of Singaporeans, allowing for ETS to drift into neighboring homes ( 21 ). In accordance with the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, the annual mortality rates attributed to second-hand smoke exposure in Singapore was estimated at 261 in 2015, increasing steadily to 296 in 2019 ( 22 ).…”