Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate knowledge of secondhand smoke (SHS) risks, sources of information, and associated factors and behaviors among hospital staff.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey using a 40-item self-administered questionnaire among 328 employees at a university hospital. The questions on representative diseases related to SHS were used to measure the degree of knowledge of SHS. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between SHS knowledge scores and variables.ResultsFemales had better SHS knowledge scores than males, regardless of smoking status (p<0.05). SHS knowledge was positively correlated with cessation education in males, non-smokers, and the total sample (β = 3.950, 2.356, and 2.684, respectively, p<0.05). It was correlated with the experience of any SHS exposure-related symptoms in males, non-smokers, and the total sample (β = 3.950, 2.356, and 2.684, respectively, p<0.05) and discomfort when exposed to SHS in non-smokers and the total sample (β = 0.670 and 0.821, respectively, p<0.05).ConclusionSHS knowledge is high among females, when hospital staff are educated about SHS risks, and when they have experienced any SHS exposure-related symptoms or felt uncomfortable when exposed to SHS. SHS risk education is an effective tool to increase SHS knowledge in hospital staff.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 600,000 people die of secondhand smoke (SHS) each year
SHS knowledge is high among females, when hospital staff are educated about SHS risks, and when they have experienced any SHS exposure-related symptoms or felt uncomfortable when exposed to SHS
Factors related to knowledge of secondhand smoke
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 600,000 people die of secondhand smoke (SHS) each year. Previous studies have shown that smokers are more likely to quit smoking as their knowledge of SHS increases [3]; once they are aware of it risks, they avoid exposing adults and children around them to smoke [4]. Some studies have analyzed the factors affecting knowledge of SHS. Few studies have analyzed the factors affecting the degree of knowledge of passive smoking. The objectives of this study were to: i) estimate smoking prevalence, ii) to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes towards SHS risks and iii) determine whether factors contribute to SHS knowledge among hospital staffs. We hypothesized that the degree of SHS knowledge would differ according to smoking status and gender, and that SHS knowledge scores might be linked to factors such as sources of information about SHS risks and experiences with SHS-related symptoms or discomfort when exposed to SHS in hospital staff
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