The Invisible Danger: Third-hand Smoke and Families’ Knowledge Levels

Authors : Gülfer Akça, Ünal Akça

Pages : 267-273

Doi:10.12956/tchd.1424756

View : 207 | Download : 213

Publication Date : 2024-09-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The objective of this study was to idenitfy the knowledge levels of families regarding third-hand smoke (THS), which represents the most significant health risk currently, and to raise awareness of the subject. Material and Methods: The ’Beliefs About Third-hand Smoke’ (BATHS) scale was applied to 1016 caregivers. The BATHS scale and sub-factor scale results were compared in terms of participant-related variables such as smoking behaviors, THS awareness and beliefs, and sociodemographic findings. Results: Awareness of the term THS was very low (8.7%). Statistically significantly low smoking habits and high BATHS scale scores were determined among participants who owned their own homes, those with higher levels of education and income, and in non-parent relatives (p<0.001). Parental THS awareness was lower among mothers. Being a university graduate increased awareness 19 times and owning one’s own home 2.6 times. While not smoking at all resulted in a significant increase in BATHS scores, it did not affect THS awareness. Conclusion: Despite the availability of numerous programs and educational material concerning the harm caused by first- and second-hand smoke, levels of information about TSH, a more important but invisible danger, are unfortunately very low in society and among health professionals. It is therefore essential to increase the requisite sensitivity to the issue and to encourage smoke-free society studies.
Keywords : Farkındalık, Maruziyet, Tütün, Duman

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