The behaviors and attitude of parents toward smoking in pediatric primary settings in Al-Hasa region: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Children living with smoker parents are exposed to high rates of mixtures of nicotine, toxic, and carcinogenic substances. Secondhand smoke causes more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome in infants and children. Thereby, this study aimed to investigate the behavior and attitude of parents in Al-Hasa region toward smoking and also to assess their knowledge and awareness about e-cigarette smoking, second-hand third-hand smoking. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of children below 18 years of age in Al-Hasa region, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted through an online questionnaire survey. The survey included the demographics, behavior, and attitude of parents toward smoking. Results: Among 150 parents in this study, there were 52.67% of smoker parents. A large proportion of parents (45.29%) reported that they would accept the decision of their children, if the children began to smoke. Most parents had heard about third-hand smoking; 12.65% believed it had no effect on health, whereas 55.28% believed it was harmful to the health. There were 29.3% who thought e-cigarettes were less harmful than regular tobacco smoking. Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of parental smoking and a high proportion of heavy smokers, although parents knew that exposure to parental smoking is harmful to their children. The attitude and behavior of parents seem to negatively impact their and their children’s health; so, raising awareness and knowledge is necessary and counseling the smokers to quit smoking is important.