Outdoor Smoking Research Articles

Effectiveness of mobile smoking cessation treatment with 1-week nicotine replacement therapy sampling at outdoor smoking hotspots: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile smoking cessation (SC) treatment with 1-week nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) sampling on recruitment and quitting outcomes. Two-arm cluster RCT (1:1 ratio), single-blinded, at 244 recruitment sessions in Hong Kong outdoor smoking hotspots from October 2018-December 2019. Participant were recruited by ambassadors and treated at the mobile SC truck. 834 adult (≥18 years, male 81.3%) daily smokers, Chinese-speaking, non-NRT users in the past month, consented after nurse-led intervention in mobile SC truck were randomized to the experimental (n = 482 male 79.5%) and the control group (n = 352, male 83.8%). The experimental group received a 1-week free NRT sample, an NRT instruction card, and mobile SC treatment including onsite nurse-led brief medication advice (about 15 minutes) and referral to SC clinics. The control group received the same mobile SC treatment. Primary outcome was self-reported quit attempts at 1-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included SC service use at 1month, and biochemically validated abstinence (exhaled carbon monoxide < 4ppm; or saliva cotinine < 10ng/ml) at 6-month follow-up. Additionally, a post-hoc cost analysis was conducted. By intention-to-treat, the two groups showed similar prevalence of quit attempts (44·4% versus 43·5%, risk ratio (RR) = 1·04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0·79-1·37, P = 0·79). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed lower SC service use at clinics (32·4% versus 44·9%, RR = 0·72, 95%CI = 0·57-0·91, P = 0·006), but no significant difference in validated abstinence (4·6% versus 2·8%, RR = 1·64, 95%CI = 0·76-3·50, P = 0·21). The experimental recruitment sessions recruited more smokers for onsite medication advice than the control session (mean 6·7 vs 5·0, adjusted incident rate ratio = 1·30, 95%CI = 1·08-1·56, P = 0·005). Mobile smoking cessation treatment with 1-week nicotine replacement therapy sampling did not increase quit attempts or abstinence outcomes among recruited daily smokers in Hong Kong. The intervention increased smokers' uptake of onsite medication advice but reduced subsequent smoking cessation service use at clinics.

Support for regulating smoking in private and public places by adults who currently smoke and recently quit smoking in Spain.

While indoor smoking restrictions are common, outdoor restrictions are still rare. We explored opinions and support for regulating smoking in different indoor and outdoor environments among adults who smoke and those who recently quit smoking, in Spain. The 2021 ITC EUREST-PLUS Spain Survey is a cross-sectional study conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1006 adults aged ≥18 years who smoked cigarettes (n=867) or had recently quit smoking (n=139). Using Poisson regression with robust variance, we estimated adjusted prevalence and prevalence ratios of favorable opinions on regulating smoking in different indoor and outdoor environments and support for regulation in unregulated outdoor environments, by sociodemographic and smoking-related characteristics. There were highly favorable opinions for regulating smoking in places with minors (>95% in primary and secondary playgrounds, and cars with pre-school children and minors) and outdoor transportation (60-80%). There were less favorable opinions for regulating smoking in outdoor terraces of bars/pubs and restaurants (15-20%). Support for further total outdoor regulations on smoking was moderate for markets/shopping centers, public building entrances and swimming pools (40-60%), and low for restaurants/bars/pubs (29.2%). Having quit smoking, having no significant others who smoke and/or believing that cigarette smoke is harmful to others, were factors positively associated with favorable opinions and support for regulating smoking. The settings in Spain with the most favorable opinions for regulation among adults who smoke and have recently quit smoking are places with minors, private cars with others and outdoor areas of public transportation, while the settings with the least favorable opinions were outdoor terraces of bars, pubs, and restaurants. Support for further total outdoor smoking bans is generally moderate, but low for restaurants, bars, and pubs. Overall, these findings suggest the feasibility of extending smoke-free policies to other public and private settings to protect others from tobacco smoke exposure.

Examining public preferences for wood smoke mitigation policies in the sub-Arctic

Outdoor air pollution is a significant problem worldwide. Policies developed to mitigate air pollution require support from local residents to be successful. While some research has examined various social and psychological metrics associated with support for some types of pollution mitigation, less is known about what variables are critical in resident support for different types of policies that help mitigate air pollution associated with woodsmoke. This research examined the extent that perceived health and economic risks, perceived uncertainties in measuring air quality and estimating risks, trust in government, and affect relate to support for three different types of outdoor wood smoke mitigation policies in Alaska. Using a multiple regression analysis of data obtained from a mail-based survey (n = 442), we characterized local affective associations with wood burning, economic concerns and health risks around heat options, perceived uncertainties, and levels of trust in government. The research identified several social and psychological variables that were important in understanding support for air pollution policies associated with wood smoke. Significantly, we found that perceived economic risk of not taking actions to mitigate outdoor air pollution from wood smoke was related to support for all three policy options. Trust in local government was positively correlated to support for education and regulatory policies, and perceived uncertainty was inversely related to support for regulations. The research also confirmed other known findings with respect to variables associated with support for air pollution regulation policies including perceived health risks and affect.

Impact of secondhand smoke on air quality in partially enclosed outdoor hospitality venues: a review

BackgroundSmoking is a leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity globally. The pollutants generated from smoke are not only harmful to smokers, but also to those exposed to secondhand smoke. As a result of increasingly restrictive indoor smoke-free policies in many countries, there is a tendency for tobacco smoking to move outdoors into partially enclosed settings in hospitality venues. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of secondhand smoke on air quality in outdoor hospitality venues.MethodsTwo electronic databases PubMed and Scopus were searched from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2022 for studies of air quality impacts from tobacco smoking in outdoor hospitality venues. A total of 625 studies were screened and 13 studies were included in this review.ResultsThe majority (9 studies) of reviewed studies monitored PM2.5 concentration as an indicator of secondhand smoke. PM2.5 was reported from 10.9 µg/m3 to 91.0 µg/m3 in outdoor smoking areas, compared to 4.0 µg/m3 to 20.4 µg/m3 in outdoor control sites unaffected by smoking. Secondhand smoke can also drift into adjacent outdoor areas or infiltrate into indoor environments thus affecting air quality in spaces where smoking is not permitted.ConclusionsThe reviewed studies indicated that air quality within outdoor hospitality venues where smoking is permitted is unlikely to meet current World Health Organization (WHO) ambient air quality guidelines for PM2.5. Customers and staff in outdoor hospitality venues with active smoking, and in adjacent outdoor and indoor non-smoking areas, are potentially exposed to secondhand smoke at levels exceeding WHO guidelines. Stronger smoking control policies are recommended for outdoor hospitality venues to protect the health of customers and staff from harmful secondhand smoke exposure.Prospero registrationCRD42022342417.

Secondhand smoke exposure in public outdoor spaces in the Netherlands: The stronger the smell, the more exposure to nicotine.

While secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor spaces has been investigated before, no data on outdoor secondhand smoke exposure have been collected in the Netherlands. Such data could help policymakers gain support for smoke-free outdoor public spaces. Between May and November 2021, we visited 25 outdoor locations across the Netherlands. At each location, we conducted four measurements with smokers and one measurement without smokers. During each measurement, we counted the number of smokers present and we rated tobacco smell intensity on a five-point scale. Airborne nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP) data were collected through active sampling on thermal desorption tubes. The contents of these tubes were later analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using linear mixed models, we investigated the association between levels of nicotine and the presence of smokers, the number of smokers, and the intensity of tobacco smell. We also investigated these association with levels of 3-EP. Nicotine levels were higher when smokers were present (B=1.40; 95% CI: 0.69-2.11, p<0.001). For each additional smoker present, we measured higher levels of nicotine (B=0.23; 95% CI: 0.10-0.37, p=0.001). When the smell of tobacco smoke was noted to be stronger by the researchers, higher levels of nicotine were measured through sampling (B=0.85; 95% CI: 0.44-1.26, p<0.001). We found similar results for 3-EP levels. This study showed that both nicotine and 3-EP are useful in quantifying levels of secondhand smoke in various outdoor locations. The level of nicotine exposure outdoors was positively associated with the number of smokers nearby. The intensity of the tobacco smell was also related to nicotine exposure: the stronger the smell of tobacco smoke, the more nicotine was measured in the air.

Predictors Of Tobacco Smoking Initiation Among Indonesian Teenagers: The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey

Introduction We examined the predictors of tobacco smoking initiation considering factors such as age, gender, pocket money, exposure to smoke in public outdoor places, anti-tobacco media, smoking parents, smoking teachers, and smoking friends among adolescents in Indonesia. Methods Using data from the 2014–2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey grades 7–12, data from 9,655 teenagers were analyzed. The research used the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) questionnaire. The analysis used univariate, chi-square and logistic regression with the STATA application version 15. Results In total, 9655 adolescent respondents participated. Multivariate tests indicated that teenagers aged 13-15 years (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08-1.66) and teenagers aged&gt; 15 years (AOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25-2.17), teenagers who were male (AOR: 13.99, 95% CI: 11.11-17.63), teenagers who were exposed to cigarette smoke in public places outside the room (AOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.74-2.29), teenagers who had never seen anti-tobacco messages in the mass media (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48), Teenagers who had parents who smoke (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.46), teenagers who saw teachers smoking in the school area (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18-1.71), and teenagers who accepted offers of cigarettes from friends (AOR: 15.11, 95% CI: 10.33-22.11). Conclusion The initiation of tobacco smoking among teenagers in Indonesia can be predicted by various factors such as age, gender, exposure to smoke in outdoor public places, exposure to anti-tobacco media, and influence of parents, teachers, and friends.

Evaluating portable air cleaner effectiveness in residential settings to reduce exposures to biomass smoke resulting from prescribed burns.

Prescribed burning is the most common method employed to reduce fuel loads in flammable landscapes. This practice is designed to reduce the hazard associated with uncontrolled bushfires. Prescribed burns are frequently conducted close to residential areas, and the associated smoke impacts can adversely affect community health. Particulate matter is the predominant pollutant within the smoke and is strongly and consistently linked with adverse health effects. Outdoor smoke readily infiltrates buildings and reduces the quality of indoor air. Portable air cleaners containing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are a promising indoor air quality intervention for reducing outdoor smoke exposure. We provided 10 homes from semirural regions of Victoria, Australia, with HEPA cleaners and conducted continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for 2-4 weeks during prescribed burning periods. We calculated the potential improvements to indoor air quality when operating a HEPA cleaner during a smoke episode. Ventilation measures were conducted to identify points of smoke ingress and housing characteristics that could lead to higher infiltration rates. Depending on the house, the use of HEPA cleaners resulted in a reduction in indoor PM2.5 concentrations of 30-74%. HEPA cleaners have the potential to substantially improve indoor air quality during episodic smoke episodes.

What are the effects of smoke-free and tobacco-free university campus policies, and how can they be assessed? A systematic review

ObjectiveThis article looks at the evaluation of smoke-free (SF) and tobacco-free (TF) university campus policies that ban smoking (and often vaping) both indoors and outdoors. To assess the effectiveness of these policies, we performed a systematic literature review to answer the following questions: what is the effect of SF/TF policies on campus users’ behaviors/norms/perceptions around smoking? Are the SF/TF policies an effective measure for reducing smoking among young adults? What methods and indicators can we use to assess the impact of SF/TF campus policies? What is the theoretical model underpinning the influence of SF/TF policies on the behavior of campus users? MethodsThree databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched over the period from January 2005 to December 2022. The article selection process included 54 articles published in scientific journals that analyzed the post-implementation impact of SF/TF campus policies. The quality of these articles was analyzed using six ad hoc indicators based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist and Joanna Briggs Institute scoping tools. ResultsMost of the research on SF/TF campus policies has been conducted in the United States using quantitative methodologies. Most of these studies show that SF/TF policies reduce positive beliefs about smoking and its acceptability, influence smoking behavior (reducing smoking initiation and increasing the number of quits and quit attempts), and reduce exposure to passive smoking and pollution from cigarette butts. User acceptability of SF/TF policies is generally high. Limitations of SF/TF campus policies include difficulty for smokers to comply with them, persistence of passive smoking around campuses, and limited uptake of on-campus cessation support services provided to smokers. DiscussionThe various mediating and moderating variables identified in the literature have made it possible to propose a model of the potential influence of SF/TF policy on campus users, based on the theory of planned behavior. Based on this review, we provide health professionals and higher education institutions wishing to implement a SF/TF campus policy with a set of indicators that can serve to assess the impact of a SF/TF campus policy (attitudes, acceptability, beliefs, norms, exposure to passive smoking and pollution, changes in smoking behavior). ConclusionBased on scientific evidence, the implementation of SF/TF campus policies in France is an important measure to help combat smoking in young adults.

Abstract P442: Secondhand Smoking Associated With Sleep Apnea Risk Score

Introduction: Approximately 18 million people have obstructive sleep apnea. While many people experience occasional nights of insufficient sleep, chronic sleep disorders are more serious and increase the risk of injury, morbidity, and mortality. While the association between smoking and sleep problems is well established, the relationship between secondhand smoke on sleep disordered breathing risk is less clear. Hypothesis: Sleep apnea risk increases with the presence of a smoker in the household. Methods: Data from N=9,232 adults were leveraged from the NHANES 2017-March 2020 dataset. The outcome/dependent variable of interest was sleep apnea risk score based on modified STOP-BANG criteria combined, as well as the presence/absence of snoring, tiredness, gasping, high blood pressure, BMI &gt; 35, age &gt; 50, and male gender. The exposure/independent variable was smoking status categorized as no smoker at home (reference) compared to whether there was an outside only smoker or someone who smoked indoors. Linear models estimated the association between smoking and overall risk, while logistic regression models estimated the association between smoking and individual risk factors. Results: Compared to no-smoking households, those with only outdoor smokers had a 0.187 point greater sleep apnea risk score ( p = 0.008), while those with an indoor smoker had a 0.211 point greater sleep apnea risk ( p = 0.018). Outdoor smoking was associated with greater likelihood of concurrent tiredness/sleepiness (OR 1.30, p = 0.014), gasping (OR 1.29, p = 0.024), and less likelihood of being over 50 (OR 0.52, p &lt; 0.001). Indoor smoking was associated with greater snoring (OR 1.33, p = 0.027) and tiredness (OR 1.29, p = 0.013). Indoor/outdoor smoking was not associated with high blood pressure, BMI, or male gender. Conclusion: Having a smoker in the home (Indoor and outdoor) wasere associated with greater apnea risk score. Location of smoking varied in association with individual apnea symptoms, but not in any consistent way. Although studies have shown that smoking worsens sleep apnea risk, future work should explore whether smoking cessation can improve health in other family members as well.

Low-Light Outdoor Smoke Detection Based on Unsupervised Pre-Training

Low-Light Outdoor Smoke Detection Based on Unsupervised Pre-Training

Factors associated with the incidence of ARI disease in children under five

Acute Respiratory Infections are a major health problem in children under five worldwide and the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections in children under five can cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in countries with limited health resources. This study aims to determine the relationship between smoking in the house and ventilation with the occurrence of ARI disease in children under five. The type of research used in research is this type of research analytical survey method with Cross cross-sectional approach. The analysis used in the p chi-square statistical test with a P value value of &gt;0.05 The statistical test obtained smoking variables with a value of p = 0.010 and ventilation P = 0.000. It can be concluded that there is a relationship between the presence of family members who smoke and ventilation in the house with the incidence of ARI disease in children under five. To protect children under five from the risk of ARI caused by secondhand smoke in the home, necessary measures include stopping smoking, smoking outdoors, and ensuring good ventilation inside the home

Use of nicotine replacement therapy to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke in the home: a qualitative pilot study involving local community pharmacies

BackgroundIn Scotland, and in several other countries, most second-hand smoke exposure now occurs in low-income households, where housing constraints and sole parenting often make it harder to create a smoke-free home. This pilot study provided people who smoke with a free 12-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy through local community pharmacies to reduce smoking indoors.MethodsTwenty-five parents/caregivers who smoked in the home and cared for children at least weekly were recruited via Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic. Air quality (PM2.5) was monitored in participant homes for seven days before their first pharmacy visit and 12 weeks later. Qualitative interviews (N = 14) were conducted with 13 participants who completed the study and one who withdrew part-way through. The interviews explored views/experiences of using nicotine replacement therapy to help create a smoke-free home. Another participant took part in a shorter telephone discussion at their request, with detailed notes taken by the interviewer, because of their speech disorder.ResultsThree participants reported smoking outdoors only, one of whom subsequently quit smoking. Six participants reported reduced cigarette consumption by 50% in the home, four reported no (sustained) reduction and one reported increased smoking indoors. Self-reported outcomes were not always consistent with PM2.5 readings. Participants’ experiences of accessing nicotine replacement therapy through community pharmacies varied. Some suggested ongoing support to use nicotine replacement products could better assist behavioural change, and that access could be streamlined by posting products to the home. Several suggested that focusing on changing home smoking behaviours using nicotine replacement therapy might facilitate a future quit attempt.ConclusionAccess to free nicotine replacement therapy for temporary use indoors may support some people who smoke to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke. Our findings confirm the need to modify the intervention before undertaking a definitive trial to assess the effectiveness of this approach. This work is now underway.

Outdoor smoke-free policies at sports clubs across Europe: Current status, recent evidence, and future challenges

ObjectiveThis commentary emphasizes the importance of implementing outdoor smoke-free policies at sports clubs, particularly highlighting their limited adoption across Europe. The primary aim was to assess the progress made in the Netherlands, explore the strategies employed, and outline future challenges. MethodsOur methodology involved an examination of national regulations and the voluntary adoption of smoke-free policies at sports clubs throughout Europe. We also assessed the adoption and implementation of these policies using recent evidence, leading to the identification of impending challenges in their implementation across Europe. ResultsWhile only a few European countries currently have national legislation prohibiting outdoor smoking at sports clubs, voluntary initiatives promoting such policies have emerged in various nations. Experiences from the Netherlands have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing outdoor smoke-free policies at sports clubs. To expand these policies across Europe, five key challenges need to be addressed: 1) encouraging smoke-free policies at sports clubs that are less inclined to adopt them, 2) ensuring consistent compliance and enforcement of outdoor smoke-free policies, 3) preventing smoking just outside the sports club, 4) garnering support from various stakeholders to ensure widespread adoption of smoke-free sports clubs, and 5) establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for policy implementation. ConclusionThe Dutch experiences serve as a testimony to the feasibility of outdoor smoke-free policies at sports clubs. By addressing the remaining challenges, we can create healthier sports environments for children and take substantial steps towards realizing a smoke-free Europe.

Risk assessment and estimation of controlling safe distance for exposure to particulate matter from outdoor secondhand tobacco smoke

Risk assessment and estimation of controlling safe distance for exposure to particulate matter from outdoor secondhand tobacco smoke

Evaluation of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide Levels in Individuals Exposed to Passive Tobacco Smoke in Indoor and Outdoor Environments: How Far Can We Getaway Under the Same Roof?

Besides direct exposure, indirect contact with tobacco smoke significantly contributes to numerous health issues. Unfortunately, people are unaware that the precautions taken in closed environments are inadequate to deal with this issue. We conducted this study to assess carbon monoxide (CO) levels of people exposed to tobacco smoke indoors and outdoors. Our study between May and June 2023 included individuals exposed to tobacco smoke indoors (n=100) and outdoors (n=100). Our control group included 100 people who had never been exposed to healthy tobacco smoke and agreed to participate in our research. The amount of CO exhaled was measured by observing how long people were in contact with tobacco smoke and how close they were to it.Questionnaires were asked of the study participants about the harms and awareness of tobacco smoke exposure. Exhaled CO levels were 1.46 ± 0.1 ppm in people exposed to tobacco smoke indoors, 1.1± 0.03 ppm in people exposed to smoke outside, and 1.1± 0.02 ppm in the control group. The statistical analysis revealed that individuals exposed to tobacco smoke in the indoor environment had significantly higher exhaled CO levels than those in the outdoor and the control groups (p=0.006). In the correlation analysis of time and distance in the indoor environment with the exhaled CO level, there was no statistically significant difference between time and space (r= -0.168, p=0.09, r=0.09, p=0.37, respectively). While less than half of both groups were aware of second-hand tobacco smoke, individuals exposed to tobacco smoke in the outdoor environment were more familiar (p<0.001). Despite the precautions, indoor tobacco smoke exposure is severe because of second- and third-hand smoke. Raising individual awareness and enhancing the steps should be our top concern to prevent future health problems.

Passive exposure and perceptions of smoke-free policies in hospital and university campuses among nursing students: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

Outdoor smoke-free regulations reduce exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and help to denormalize tobacco use. As future key agents in health promotion, nursing students' attitudes should agree with tobacco-control policies. The objectives of this study were: 1) assess nursing students' exposure to SHS in nursing schools, 2) explore their perceptions of compliance with the existing smoke-free regulations in acute-care hospitals; and 3) describe their support for indoor and outdoor smoking bans on hospital and university campuses. This was a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted in 2015-2016 in all 15 university nursing schools in Catalonia, Spain. A questionnaire gathered information on SHS exposure, awareness of the smoke-free regulation in acutecare hospitals, and support for smoke-free policies in indoor and outdoor areas of hospitals and university campuses. Participants were nursing students attending classes on the day of the survey. We performed descriptive analyses and calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 4381 respondents, 99.1% had seen people smoking in outdoor areas of their university campus, and 75.2% had been exposed to SHS on the campus (6.0% indoors and 69.2% outdoors). Nearly 60% were aware of the smoking regulation in place in acute-care hospitals. There was widespread support for smoke-free indoor hospital regulation (98.7%), but less support (64.8%) for outdoor regulations. Approximately 33% supported the regulation to make outdoor healthcare campuses smoke-free, which was higher among third-year students compared to first-year students (APR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.24-1.62), among never smokers (41.4%; APR=2.84; 95% CI: 2.21-3.64) compared to smokers, and among those who were aware of the regulation (38.4%; 95% CI: 1.37-1.75). Exposure to SHS on university campuses is high. Nursing students express low support for strengthening outdoor smoking bans on hospital and university campuses. Interventions aiming to increase their support should be implemented.

PM2.5 exposure to marijuana smoke on golf courses and other public outdoor locations: A pilot observational study

Secondhand exposure to cannabis smoke occurs in public outdoor locations due to outdoor smoking or leakage of indoor smoking. Very little is known regarding the actual levels of exposure. This study examined PM2.5 exposure to marijuana smoke, focusing on one type of public outdoor location – golf courses where illegal marijuana consumption is increasingly common. Based on 24 visits to 10 courses over a 6-month period, >20 % visits encountered marijuana smoke, with peak PM2.5 exposures up to 149 μg/m3. The levels of exposure depended upon the source type (smoking versus vaping) and the proximity to the smoker/vaper. Ten additional investigations were performed to measure marijuana secondhand exposure in other public outdoor locations (near a smoker in a public park, near a parked car with in-car smoking/vaping, and near a residential garage with indoor smoking/vaping). 23 encounters of marijuana exposure events were documented in total. Average outdoor exposures to PM2.5 close to public outdoor smoking and vaping (on golf courses and a public park) were >3 times as high as those near a car or a building with indoor marijuana emissions. The average outdoor exposure caused by the leakage of in-car secondhand smoke was higher than that caused by in-building emissions.

Incidence of respiratory infections and its correlation with smoke exposure among infants from an urban field practice area in Tamil Nadu

Background: Children’s acute lower respiratory infections are most prevalent among new-born. Clinical evaluation and symptoms help to establish the connection between smoke exposure and acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). Furthermore, there is proof that exposing children to coal smoke considerably increases their risk of developing ARTI. Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to estimate the incidence of respiratory tract infection (RTI) among selected cohort of infants in urban field practice area of Tamil Nadu and to correlate the incidence of RTIs with smoke practices. Materials and Methods: In Tamil Nadu’s urban field practice area, a cohort study of infants was done. A house-to-house survey was conducted and information was gathered among 150 newborns who were tracked after being selected as a period sample based on inclusion criteria at a 15* visit. Numerous data on ARI episodes, housing circumstances, and smoke exposure were gathered and correlated. Software such as Epi info and SPSS version 22 were used to analye data. Results: The incidence of TI was calculated to be 1.7 episodes per 100 person days and 4.7 on average among the 150 newborns chosen. Nearly 48% of people lived in huts, 84% had indoor kitchens, and 75% cooked with gas. Infants who appeared to regularly be exposed to passive smoking have a little increase in the incidence of mean RTI bouts. Conclusion: The additional hospital admissions, which are entirely preventable, place a heavy load on the public health system. It is evident that new initiatives are required to stop infants from being exposed to passive smoke during and after pregnancy. Improving international Electrotechnical commission activities play an active role is reducing incidence of RTIs among infants. Intensified educational interventions on ill effects of indoor and outdoor smoke, passive smoking helps in addressing the issue.

Multi-Level Influences of Smoke-Free Policies in Subsidized Housing: Applying the COM-B Model and Neighborhood Assessments to Inform Smoke-Free Policies.

Smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing are associated with reduced exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS); however, attitudes toward comprehensive smoke-free policies among residents in subsidized multi-unit housing are unknown. In this mixed-methods study, we explored the socio-ecological context for tobacco and cannabis use and attitudes toward policies restricting indoor use of these products through interviews with residents (N = 134) and staff (N = 22) in 15 federally subsidized multi-unit housing in San Francisco, California. We conducted a geo-spatial and ethnographic environmental assessment by mapping alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco retail density using ArcGIS, and conducted systematic social observations of the neighborhood around each site for environmental cues to tobacco use. We used the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation behavior (COM-B) model to identify factors that might influence implementation of smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing. Knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco and cannabis use, social norms around smoking, neighborhood violence, and cannabis legalization were some of the social-ecological factors that influenced tobacco use. There was spatial variation in the availability of alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco stores around sites, which may have influenced residents' ability to maintain smoke-free homes. Lack of skill on how to moderate indoor smoking (psychological capability), lack of safe neighborhoods (physical opportunity), and the stigma of smoking outdoors in multi-unit housing (motivation) were some of the barriers to adopting a smoke-free home. Interventions to increase adoption of smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing need to address the co-use of tobacco and cannabis and commercial and environmental determinants of tobacco use to facilitate smoke-free living.

Determinants of ever smoking and active smoking among school-aged children in Jeddah

ObjectivesThis study estimated the prevalence and investigated the determinants of ever-smoking and active smoking among school-aged children in Jeddah. Such data are crucial for developing optimal preventive and corrective strategies to address smoking among youth. MethodA school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah City, KSA, from September 2020 to December 2020. It included 6770 children attending grades 4–12, who were selected from 60 public and private elementary, middle, and secondary schools through multistage random-cluster sampling. An Arabic version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and predictors of tobacco use. ResultThe prevalence of ever smoking was 14.1% (95% CI = 13.2–14.9%), and the mean age at which children smoked their first cigarette or took any puffs was 13.76 years (SD = 2.23). The prevalence of active smoking was 3.8% (95% CI = 3.3–4.3%), and the amounts and frequency of cigarettes smoked in the past 30 days among smokers were relatively low. The most commonly consumed tobacco products were cigarettes (47.2%) and hookah (42.9%). In most cases, active smokers bought cigarettes by themselves from groceries or convenience stores, or received them from a person to whom they were close. Ever smoking was independently associated with older age, male gender, private school, the mother's working status, and exposure to passive smoking indoors or outdoors. Active smoking was independently associated with older age, male gender, private school, a high amount of pocket money, perceived ease of obtaining tobacco products, and exposure to passive smoking. ConclusionThe observed smoking patterns among school-aged children in Jeddah corresponded to occasional smoking, and family-related determinants were significant contributors. The findings highlight the relevance of implementing smoking cessation interventions and awareness campaigns, at both the school and community levels, to achieve maximal benefit.