Evaluation of the frequency of exposure of children under the age of five to second-hand tobacco smoke in the home environment

Objective:. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and risk of exposure to the second-hand smoke among children under five age at home. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. 45.724 children under five age in Kepez/Antalya constitute the population, 543 children construct the sample. Multi-stage cluster sampling method was used within the study. Data were collected via Household Descriptive Form, Second Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure Assessment Form, Household Attitude and Knowledge Forms Regarding Exposure of a Child Under Five to Second Hand Tobacco Smoke, and the Child's Health History Form. Children's exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke was evaluated using a risk algorithm. The content validity and reliability coefficient of the questionnaires were calculated. Results: 62,1% of the houses where children under five live had someone using tobacco products, 14,9% of them had no rule for using tobacco, 13,3% used tobacco in any closed part of house. According to the risk algorithm, 63,5% of children have risk of being exposed to second-hand smoke. 19,4% of the children carry all four risks in the algorithm. Smoking of mothers increases the risk of exposure by 50,8% and smoking by fathers increases this risk by.27,4%. Parents' knowledge and attitude are significant on exposure risk. The diagnosis of bronchitis and bronchiolitis is more common in children with exposure risk than in children without exposure risk. Conclusion: The frequency and risk of exposure to the second-hand smoke among children under five age is high. Education of parents is recommended to prevent the exposure.