Exposure to secondhand smoke as a risk factor for severe tobacco smoking among young healthy men in South Africa
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1
University of the Witwatersrand, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, South Africa
2
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, United States of America
3
SoMCHAT MRC Collaborating Centre for HIV/AIDS and TB, South Africa
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2018;16(Suppl 1):A881
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ABSTRACT
Background:
Despite public
health intervention, exposure to secondhand smoke,
specifically in the home, remains high. Secondhand smoke has been linked to
several health outcomes however there is limited information on how secondhand
smoke impacts on severity of smoking.
Methods:
We report interim results of a cross-sectional study among young men (10-34 years)
attending five Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) clinics in South
Africa. Data were collected
on participant and parental smoking status; exposure to secondhand smoking
and alcohol consumption. A qualitative urine test for cotinine and a
breathalyser test for Carbon monoxide measured in parts per million (COppm)
were administered. COppm scores were classified into two categories: moderate/mild
and severe. Secondhand smoking was defined as exposure to indoor and family
members smoking. Logistic regression was used to determine
risk factors associated with severe smoking.
Results:
Of the 2465 participants, median age 20 (IQR: 13-27) years, 32.5% (785/2418)
tested positive for urine cotinine of which 98.6% (774/785) had a COppm result.
COppm result showed 53.2% (412/774) were severe smokers, 46.8% (362/774) were
moderate/mild smokers. A total of 46.3% (189/408) of severe smokers reported often
having someone smoking in their home of whom 27.8% (72/259) reported that their
mother and 59.9% (100/167) report that their father smokes. Overall, 80.3% (330/411)
of severe smokers self-reported drinking alcohol. Multivariate analysis adjusting
for age and alcohol use showed that severe smoking was associated with often exposure
to indoor smoking at home (OR: 1.612 95%CI: 1.195-2.173) and to family members
that smoke (OR: 3.495 95%CI: 1.413-8.646).
Conclusions:
Family members who smoke and alcohol use put young men at risk of severe
smoking. Rules and social norms must encourage smokers to smoke outside of
their houses. Policy interventions should focus on highlighting the risks and
reducing the prevalence of secondhand smoking.