Prevalence of passive smoking in school aged children in the city of Diamantina-MG - Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of passive smokers children aged 7 to 10 years, your relation with respiratory illnesses and factor of risk associated with them. Method: We achieved an observational cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires (nine closed questions about smoking profile, respiratory diseases and parents' education) delivered to all children from 11 schools in the city of Diamantina, MG (Brazil). Results: A total of 2108 questionnaires were distributed, and 618 were returned. Out of the total number of participants, 50.3% were female; 37.6% were passive smokers; 29.0% had respiratory problems, and about their families, 48.3% had father as a smoker, 29.0% had mothers, and 22.7% had other family member. Children whose parents had lower levels of education were 4.5 times more likely to be passive smokers. Conclusion: We observed association between the prevalence of children exposure to environmental tobacco smoking (36.6% passive smokers) and respiratory morbidity (30%), and correlation between lower level of parent’s education and passive smoking in children.