Secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese never smokers in Hong Kong

Abstract

ObjectiveThe evidence on the effect of secondhand smoke (SHS) on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is limited. We examined the relation between SHS and HRQoL among Chinese in Hong Kong.MethodsAdult never smokers from a probability sample of three cross-sectional waves (2010, 2012, 2013) of The Hong Kong Family and Health Information Trends Survey who completed the Cantonese-version of Short-Form 12 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF12v2) were included in the data analysis conducted in 2014. Models were used to examine associations of SHS with SF12 domains and summary scores of Physical (PCS12) and Mental Component (MCS12) with subgroups analysis by SHS locations.ResultsAfter adjustments, SHS was associated with lower scores on all SF12 domains except physical functioning. PCS12 (regress coefficient=−0.76, 95% CI −1.34 to −0.17) and MCS12 (regress coefficient=−1.35, 95% CI −2.06 to −0.64) were lower in those with SHS exposure than those non-exposed. Those exposed to SHS in outdoor public places had lower scores on most SF12 domains and PSC12 and MCS12. SHS exposure in one's home and workplace was associated with lower scores on role physical, body pain and role emotional while SHS exposure in friends’ homes was additionally associated with lower social functioning and mental health scores. Lower MCS12 was associated with SHS exposure at all locations except one's home.ConclusionsOur study showed that SHS exposure, particularly in outdoor public places, was associated with decreased HRQoL. It can provide new evidence for stronger smoke-free policies on public places and promoting smoke-free homes.

Incidence and Mortality of Cancers Related to Secondhand Smoking in Southeast Asia Countries

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“…3 SHS exposure also known as risk factor of various diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke in adults and infant death syndrome in infants and children. 1 Many diseases related to SHS may cause by there are 4000 harmful chemical compounds contained in the heterogeneous aerosol generated by burning tobacco, including nicotine, tar, cyanide, benzene, cadmium, methanol, ammonia and arsenic. 2 The amount of those harmful substances in the body of secondhand smokers is greater than active smokers, because the toxins inhaled through the breath are not filtered; make them more susceptible to health problems compared to active smokers.…”