A cross-sectional study: Exposure, Effect and Awareness of second-hand smoking in the central region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Second-hand smoking (SHS) has been strongly associated with poor health outcomes, higher risk of lung cancer in adults, increased frequency of respiratory disease in children. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of exposure, investigate the possible associated risk factors and to assess the knowledge and awareness towards SHS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted and data's pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, sources of exposure, respiratory symptoms and awareness were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and evaluated. Results: Nearly 72.98% participants reported that maximum exposure to second-hand smoke were in Estirah (social club) followed by Internet cafe (35.48%), Park (22.98%), Shopping malls (22.18%), Playground (19.76%), College (8.87%) and Restaurants (7.26%). Parental smoking had a major risk of exposure inside the home (30.24%) and friends outside (28.63%) the home. The risk of SHS was less common with people who had adequate knowledge and also with educated parents. A significant association was found between SHS exposure and chronic phlegm (42.74%), dyspnoea (41.13%) chronic cough (27.96%), wheezing (23.79%). The knowledge and awareness among people on SHS were adequate though the practices were poor. 76.21% of the parents reported that SHS exposure made their child's health worse and 72.58% opted for smoke-free public places while 26.21% participants allowed visitors to smoke in their house. Conclusion: Hence, it is very important to develop and propagate effective measures to promote smoke-free homes and public places. Health education programs should also address the more complex problem of motivating people to change their attitudes.