ETS IN HOUSEHOLDS - THE RISK FACTOR FOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH Of CHILDREN

摘要

Background SHS exposure has been shown as an important environmental risk factor for health of predominantly vulnerable population groups - children of all ages. There are 19 % of Slovak school children exposed to passive smoking in a family with the significantly higher prevalence of respiratory diseases. Aims The aim of the project is to analyze the relationships among the SHS exposure and behaviour and health in 6-15 year old children in Slovakia. Methods The standard methods (anonymous questionnaires filled in by parents, CIS, BPI scales) were used for evaluation of the regimen habits, first experiments with smoking, environmental conditions, health status, emotional and behavioral functions in relation to second hand smoke exposure in the representative sample of 1,079 Slovak boys and girls of school age (6-15 year olds). SAS program was used for statistical analysis. Results The significant relationship was revealed between exposure to passive smoking at home and less sport activities of children (p＜0.05), as well as positive significant correlations with longer daily TV watching (p＜0.01). Smoking of parents or the other adult member of the family significantly influences children's smoking. There were 4.6 % boys and 2.5 % girls in our sample with smoking experiences. These children were exposed to passive smoking in the family (boys - 94%, girls 88%). The relationships between exposure to secondhand smoke and the disorders of emotional (CIS scores ＞16) and behavioural functions (BPI score ＞14) were not significant, but we found significantly more negative emotional as well as behavioural characteristics (anti-social behaviour, anxiety and hyperactivity) in children having experiences with smoking. ConclusionsOur study indicates that the exposure of children to passive smoking is the serious environmental risk factor, which also indirectly negatively affects behavior and physical and mental health of children.