Why are Turkish Children at Risk of Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Their Homes?

Abstract

<br/><b>Objectives</b>: Children are at greater risk than adults to the effects of inhaling environmental tobacco smoke(ETS) especially in their homes. The aim of this study was to assess parents’ knowledge regarding the risks ofETS to the health of their children and the barriers to reducing children’s ETS exposure. <br/><b>Methods</b>: Qualitativeresearch was performed for 50 households in which children were to exposed ETS were selected randomly fromthe questionnaire respondents for home-based interview. We conducted a total of 53 home-based interviewsand collected information from parents regarding their knowledge of ETS effects, smoking behavior at home,barriers to quitting smoking or reducing ETS exposure, social attitudes toward parents who ban smoking, andthe impact of the smoke-free legislation. <br/><b>Results</b>: Passive smoking was not a well recognized term but parentsrecognized that it causes harmful health effects. Some parents reported that their health care professionals didnot inform them about the dangers of ETS. Parents restricted smoking in their homes, with a range of spatialrestrictions which were frequently modified by family relation factors, the desire to be seen to act in socially andmorally acceptable ways. The meaning of hospitality as social habits and traditions were important underlyingfactors. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: Knowledge levels, relationships with family and friends and the social and cultural contextin which families live play important roles in the management of smoke exposure in Turkish homes. Despitethese factors, awareness of the risks of ETS and smoke free legislation can provide opportunities to supportpeople attain smoke-free homes