Epidemics of indoor secondhand smoke in Ghanaian households: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2022

Multiple studies have pointed out the prevalent situation of secondhand smoke (SHS) in public places in low- and middle-income countries. However, a national-level assessment of indoor SHS is scarce for Ghana. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of indoor SHS among Ghanaian households across all age groups. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2022 presented the prevalence of indoor SHS exposure in Ghanaian households (16%). The prevalence ranged from the central (6%) to the northern regions (32.5%). In households with indoor smokers, around 45% of members experienced daily exposure to indoor SHS. Females (aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.77–0.87), educated (aOR 0.82; 95%CI 0.76–0.88), those who had mobile phones (aOR 0.84; 95%CI 0.75–0.95), and computers (aOR 0.88; 95%CI 0.78–0.98) had lower odds than the reference categories. Compared to the poorest wealth quintile, other wealth quintiles had lower odds of indoor SHS. Furthermore, with an increase in household size, odds of indoor SHS exposure increased (aOR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03–1.05). Conclusively, the burden of indoor SHS is high among Ghanaian households. Males, uneducated individuals, and those from the poorest wealth quintile are at higher risk of indoor SHS exposure. The availability of mobile phones and computers, representing access to health information, is beneficial in reducing indoor SHS. To reduce the burden of indoor SHS in Ghana, interventions focusing on strengthening tobacco control programs, banning indoor smoking, and achieving smoke-free homes have been discussed and recommended.