Knowledge of Mothers on the Effect of Passive Smoking in Children in a Selected Hospital at Mangalore

Parents have the ability, with a little diligence and understanding to ensure optimum health for the children. Cigarette smoking has caused more bodily harm than all the wars of recorded history combined together. Indirect exposure, also referred to as passive smoking, or involuntary smoking, or side stream smoke has been realized as a source of indoor air pollution that can harm non-smokers. There have been several studies confined to the effects of parental smoking on their children' health. These studies revealed that children of smoking parents have increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.

Strategies to prevent children' involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke fall into two general groups: a primary focus on eliminating children' contact with the tobacco smoke of others, and secondary benefits from reducing the prevalence and consumption of tobacco products. Protecting children from tobacco smoke is essential to comprehensive tobacco control, which includes preventing the initiation of smoking, eliminating involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke, and supporting smoking cessation.

The aim of the present study was to determine the level of knowledge of mothers on the effects of passive smoking in children. ARTICLE IN PRESS

Methods:

A descriptive approach was adopted for this study. The sample consisted of 100 mothers who were selected by purposive sampling technique.

Results:

Majority of the mothers (70%) had good knowledge, 28% had average knowledge, 1% had excellent knowledge and 1% had poor knowledge regarding effects of passive smoking in children.

There was a significant association found between the knowledge and occupation of the mothers at p<0.05 level of significance.

Interpretation and Conclusion:

The findings of the study have shown that the knowledge level of mothers was good (70%). The awareness campaigns and public awareness programs help in building knowledge; although ongoing programs and reinforcement about complications and dangers should be undertaken to sustain the knowledge and awareness among the mothers.