Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure Among School-Aged Youth Enrolled in School-Based Asthma Management Programs

Abstract

The high prevalence of asthma among school-aged youth places a significant burden on students, families, and communities. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exacerbates asthma symptoms and attacks. Parental smoking is likely the most common and recurring source of SHS exposure among children. School-based asthma management programs can play a major role in educating students and their families about how to reduce, eliminate, and cope with SHS exposure. Between January 2007 and May 2008, a total of 121 middle and 248 elementary school students who participated in school-based asthma management programs in elementary school completed pretest and posttest surveys assessing asthma behaviors and management difficulties. Subgroups of 40 middle and 54 elementary school students participated in 15 focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests. Thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret prominent themes within qualitative data. Quantitative analysis of elementary school student data revealed students exposed to SHS had significantly higher asthma management difficulties at pretest (2.79 vs 1.98, respectively; t = 3.4, P = .001) and posttest (2.56 vs 1.74, respectively; t = 3.8, P < .001) compared with those without SHS exposure. Qualitative results from elementary and middle school students revealed that many students reported SHS exposure resulting from family members smoking at home or in cars. Students and their families reported using ineffective methods (eg, opening a window, drinking water, holding their breath) for reducing, eliminating, and coping with SHS exposure. School-based asthma management programs should provide education to students and their families on the lasting effects of SHS on asthma symptoms and effective strategies for reducing, eliminating, and coping with SHS exposure in homes and cars. A focus on parent and community involvement can play a key role in addressing students’ asthma management needs outside of school.