Abstract
Background A few studies related to pediatric behavior have measured secondhand smoke exposure in children using valid objective biochemical markers. We aimed at investigating the associations between current and cumulative exposure to tobacco smoke, measured both subjectively and objectively, and behavioral problems in children. Methods Subjects were 437 Japanese children, aged 3–6 years in 2006. Exposure to tobacco smoke was evaluated from a parent-administered questionnaire and urinary cotinine concentrations. The cotinine concentrations were measured using first-void morning urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Children's behaviors were assessed by the parent-completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results After multiple adjustments for covariates, higher total difficulty scores of children were significantly associated with the larger number of cigarettes parents smoke, more smokers among cohabiters, and more pack-years of exposure to tobacco smoke from parents and cohabiters. The total difficulty scores were 8.72, 9.09, and 10.52, respectively, for children in the low, middle, and high tertiles of creatinine-corrected cotinine concentrations in urine (p=0.002, trend p=0.005). There was no substantial sex difference in the positive associations between passive smoking and the SDQ scores. Conclusions Exposure to tobacco smoke in early childhood may be involved in the development of pediatric behavioral problems. The importance of reducing the exposure of children to tobacco smoke, particularly in the home, was further emphasized for the prevention of psychological and behavioral problems in childhood.
Highlights
In Japan, about 32% of men and 8% of women are smokers today [1]
Exposure to tobacco smoke in public places has been decreasing under government regulation, whereas many people are still exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home [1]
There are a few studies that have measured SHS exposure using objective biomarkers [17,18,19,20,21]. e amount of toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke taken into the body may vary due to environmental factors such as time spent with smokers and house size [22]
Summary
A few studies related to pediatric behavior have measured secondhand smoke exposure in children using valid objective biochemical markers. We aimed at investigating the associations between current and cumulative exposure to tobacco smoke, measured both subjectively and objectively, and behavioral problems in children. Exposure to tobacco smoke was evaluated from a parent-administered questionnaire and urinary cotinine concentrations. After multiple adjustments for covariates, higher total difficulty scores of children were significantly associated with the larger number of cigarettes parents smoke, more smokers among cohabiters, and more pack-years of exposure to tobacco smoke from parents and cohabiters. E total difficulty scores were 8.72, 9.09, and 10.52, respectively, for children in the low, middle, and high tertiles of creatinine-corrected cotinine concentrations in urine (p 0.002, trend p 0.005). Exposure to tobacco smoke in early childhood may be involved in the development of pediatric behavioral problems. Exposure to tobacco smoke in early childhood may be involved in the development of pediatric behavioral problems. e importance of reducing the exposure of children to tobacco smoke, in the home, was further emphasized for the prevention of psychological and behavioral problems in childhood
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