Non-Smoker's Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke in South Africa during 2017.

Senamile P Ngobese,Mukhethwa Londani,Catherine O Egbe,Olalekan A Ayo-Yusuf

doi:10.3390/ijerph17218112

Abstract

Current South African tobacco control law allows for 25% designated smoking areas in some indoor public places. This study investigates non-smokers’ exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in workplaces, homes, cafés/restaurants, and shebeens (local bars) using data from the 2017 South African Social Attitude Survey. Factors associated with any level of exposure were explored using multiple-variable-adjusted logistic regression analysis. The sample of 3063 participants (16+ years old), comprised 51.7% females and 78.5% Black Africans. The current smoking prevalence from this study was 21.5%. About 47% of non-smokers reported exposure to SHS in at least one location. Females were significantly less likely to be exposed to SHS in all locations except at home compared to males. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that females, adults aged 45–54 years, 55–64 years, and 65+ years were significantly less likely to be exposed to SHS (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.63, 0.60, 0.55, and 0.24, respectively) than males and those aged 16–24 years. Those who identified as Coloureds were significantly more likely to be exposed to SHS (AOR = 1.69) than Black Africans. This study found that nearly half of non-smokers reported exposure to SHS. A 100% smoke-free policy consistent with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control would protect more people from exposure to SHS in South Africa.

Highlights

Tobacco use is the second leading risk factor for the global burden of disease [1] and accounts for6.3% of disability-adjusted life-years lost [2]
Such a decrease may probably be ascribed to the tobacco control efforts that have led to people becoming more aware of the dangers of tobacco use and, to more people adopting a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking or smoking less in public places [9]
Our findings show that 13% of the participants were exposed at work, which underscored the plea for awareness regarding the Government Gazette notice related to smoking tobacco products in public places, which states that employees may object to tobacco smoke in the workplace without retaliation of any kind [11]

Summary

Introduction

Tobacco use is the second leading risk factor for the global burden of disease [1] and accounts for6.3% of disability-adjusted life-years lost [2]. Tobacco use is the second leading risk factor for the global burden of disease [1] and accounts for. Second-hand smoke (SHS) is a complex toxic mixture of chemicals from the smoke that a smoker exhales or comes from the burning tip of the cigarette or other combustible tobacco products [3]. About 1.2 million non-smokers die annually as a result of diseases caused by exposure to SHS. Article 8 of the FCTC calls for protection from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and parties to the FCTC are expected to enact laws to ensure 100% smoke-free public places [8]. In 2005, South Africa became a party to the FCTC and, has a legal obligation to implement and enforce policies that protect non-smokers from involuntary exposure to SHS [9]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion