The association between tobacco exposure inside the home and socio-economic status on the prevalence of asthma in U.S children between the ages of 6-17 years
Abstract
Introduction and Objective. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is known to harm human health, but there is limited updated information about its connection to pediatric asthma in different socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States. This study investigates the link between SHS, socio-economic status and the prevalence of pediatric asthma in U.S. children aged 6-17 years. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2019-2021 National Children’s Health Survey. The prevalence of asthma diagnosis was compared between children who were exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) inside the home, those who were exposed but only outside, and those whose parents do not smoke. Socioeconomic status (SES) based on national federal poverty level categories was assessed as a potential effect modifier. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the crude and adjusted odds of asthma according to SHS tobacco exposure inside and outside of the home compared to no SHS exposure. Interaction term was entered in the regression model to test for significant interactions. Results. The study included 79,238 children. Approximately 2% of the children were exposed to SHS inside their homes, and 12% had parents/guardians who smoked but only outside the home. About 14% of children had ever been diagnosed with asthma. For children exposed to SHS indoors, there was a modest increase in the unadjusted odds of asthma (OR= 1.35, 95% CI= 1.06-1.73) in comparison to unexposed children. However, after adjustment, the results became no longer significant (OR=1.04, 95% CI 0.79-1.37). Additionally, when comparing to children of non-smoking parents, we found no association between children whose household members smoke but only outside of the home and asthma (Adjusted OR= 1.13, 95% CI 0.97-1.33). Furthermore, socioeconomic status did not interact with SHS for asthma diagnosis (p= 0.193). Conclusions-Implications. Our findings suggested no significance between SHS exposure (indoor or outdoor) and the diagnosis of asthma in children. Further longitudinal studies examining SHS in a dose-dependent manner and assessing a child's personal exposure to any tobacco products such as vapes, is encouraged. This approach can provide a more robust assessment of overall SHS exposure in the pediatric population.
Abstract Category
9. Epidemiology
Secondary Abstract Category
27. Public Health
Keywords
pediatric asthma, asthma, U.S children, prevalence, tobacco use, secondhand smoke, socioeconomic status
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
The association between tobacco exposure inside the home and socio-economic status on the prevalence of asthma in U.S children between the ages of 6-17 years
Introduction and Objective. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is known to harm human health, but there is limited updated information about its connection to pediatric asthma in different socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States. This study investigates the link between SHS, socio-economic status and the prevalence of pediatric asthma in U.S. children aged 6-17 years. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2019-2021 National Children’s Health Survey. The prevalence of asthma diagnosis was compared between children who were exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) inside the home, those who were exposed but only outside, and those whose parents do not smoke. Socioeconomic status (SES) based on national federal poverty level categories was assessed as a potential effect modifier. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the crude and adjusted odds of asthma according to SHS tobacco exposure inside and outside of the home compared to no SHS exposure. Interaction term was entered in the regression model to test for significant interactions. Results. The study included 79,238 children. Approximately 2% of the children were exposed to SHS inside their homes, and 12% had parents/guardians who smoked but only outside the home. About 14% of children had ever been diagnosed with asthma. For children exposed to SHS indoors, there was a modest increase in the unadjusted odds of asthma (OR= 1.35, 95% CI= 1.06-1.73) in comparison to unexposed children. However, after adjustment, the results became no longer significant (OR=1.04, 95% CI 0.79-1.37). Additionally, when comparing to children of non-smoking parents, we found no association between children whose household members smoke but only outside of the home and asthma (Adjusted OR= 1.13, 95% CI 0.97-1.33). Furthermore, socioeconomic status did not interact with SHS for asthma diagnosis (p= 0.193). Conclusions-Implications. Our findings suggested no significance between SHS exposure (indoor or outdoor) and the diagnosis of asthma in children. Further longitudinal studies examining SHS in a dose-dependent manner and assessing a child's personal exposure to any tobacco products such as vapes, is encouraged. This approach can provide a more robust assessment of overall SHS exposure in the pediatric population.