The Effect of Secondhand Smoke and Thirdhand Smoke Exposure at Home on Acute Respiratory Infections

Abstract

The tendency of smokers who smoke at home continues to increase, therefore many children can be exposed to secondhand smoke and many cases due to exposure to cigarette smoke. The objectives of this study was to determine the associations between children’s secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke exposure at home with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). The study design was case control. The respondents were 145 parents who had children under five who studied in several kindergartens in Semarang and family members or guests smoke at their home. Information on the variables under study was obtained using repeated questionnaires that were completed by the parents. Data analysis using chi square. The result show that children’s secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke exposure at home were associated with Acute Respiratory Infection’s (ARIs) significantly. To conclude, the parents have contribution for creating a smoke-free environment to their children. They may help keep their children from being exposed to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke by make good role model and home smoke free. Keywords-secondhand smoke, thirdhand smoke exposure, acute respiratory infection’s