Secondhand tobacco smoke, does it have an impact on the neurobehavioral performance of the exposed children?

Abstract

Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) is a significant public health problem for all ages worldwide. Children are more vulnerable to the health effects of SHS because of the inhalation of more air per body volume compared to adults. The study aimed to assess neurobehavioral performance among SHS exposed Egyptian basic school children (10-12years) and its relationship with urinary cotinine levels. Multistage cluster sampling was carried out, where 181 children (80 exposed and 101 non-exposed children) were recruited. A questionnaire on SHS exposure was sent to students' parents/caregivers. Urine samples were taken for assessment of cotinine levels by enzyme immunoassay. A Neurobehavioral test battery was measured. The exposed children had significantly lower performance in tests of attention (PASAT) [5.22 ± 5.10 vs. 6.98 ± 5.87, p = 0.035], visuomotor speed (Digit Symbol and Trail making A) [41.40 ± 18.01 vs. 46.53 ± 15.89 and 107.92 ± 44.34 vs. 92.44 ± 37.09; respectively] than non-exposed subjects. The neurobehavioral effects were correlated with urinary cotinine levels among children exposed to SHS compared to unexposed children. The study revealed poor performance in neurobehavioral domains of attention and visuomotor skills among children exposed to SHS. This necessitates the implementation of antismoking media awareness programs on the harmful effects of SHS and how to protect children from it.