Association between secondhand smoke exposure and negative emotions among 12–15-year-old non-smoking adolescents from 63 low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

BackgroundSecondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is associated with negative emotions in adolescents, but the association between SHS exposure and negative emotions has been understudied, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Hence, we studied the association between SHS exposure and negative emotions among 12–15-year-old non-smoking adolescents from 63 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). MethodsWe calculated the pooled prevalence of SHS exposure, loneliness, and anxiety in 12–15-year-old non-smoking adolescents. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate country-specific associations between SHS exposure and negative emotions, after adjusting for important confounders. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the overall, regional, and country-income level pooled associations. ResultsOf the adolescents included in the analysis, 34.88 % had less than daily SHS exposure and 13.41 % were exposed to SHS daily. The overall prevalence of loneliness and anxiety in the adolescents was 10.51 % and 8.95 %, respectively. Exposure to SHS in the past 7 days was associated with loneliness and anxiety, with odds ratios (95 % confidence intervals) of 1.15 (1.09–1.21) and 1.24 (1.17–1.31), respectively. These positive associations were observed in girls, but not in boys. In addition, there was a positive dose-response relationship between the day of exposure to SHS and loneliness and anxiety. LimitationsThe GSHS data were obtained from a self-report questionnaire and the participants were only adolescents in school. ConclusionsOur study revealed a positive association between SHS exposure and negative emotions among non-smoking adolescents from LMICs.