A two-year study of the effects of secondhand smoke exposure as measured by a urinary cotinine biomarker concurrent with visual oral examination among university dental hygiene students

Abstract Background Women from low socio-economic, culturally insular populations are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) community in Israel is a difficult to access, rapidly growing low socio-economic, insular minority with numerous obstacles to health. The current study investigates CVD-related risk factors (RF) in a sample of OUJ women, comparing sample characteristics with the general population. Addressing the questions, 'Are UOJ women at increased risk for CVD?', 'Which RFs should be addressed beyond the general population's?', this study can inform public health initiatives (PHI) for this and similar populations. Methods Self-administered questionnaires completed by a cluster randomized sample of 239 women from a UOJ community included demographics, fruit, vegetables, and sweetened drink consumption, secondhand smoke exposure, physical activity (PA) engagement, and BMI. Population statistics utilized for comparison of demographic and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained from government-sponsored national surveys. Results Compared with the general population, UOJ women were less likely to consume 5 fruits and vegetables a day (12.7% vs. 24.3%, p<.001) and more likely to consume > 5 cups of sweetened beverages a day (18.6% vs. 12.6%, p=.019). UOJ women also reported less secondhand smoke exposure (7.2% vs. 51.4%, p<.001) and higher rates of PA recommendation adherence (60.1% vs. 25.6%, p<.0001) than the general population. Obesity was higher in UOJ women (24.3% vs. 16.1%, p<.0001). Conclusions This study suggests that PHIs in this population target healthy weight maintenance, nutrition, and PA. As a consequence of this study, the first CVD prevention intervention has been implemented in this population, targeting the identified RFs. Utilizing a mixed methods and community-based participatory approach, this innovative 3-year intervention reached over 2,000 individuals. Key messages This study identified nutrition risk behaviors and high levels of obesity in a difficult to access, minority population. This study informed the planning and implementation of a community-based PHI.

Download Full-text

Smoke-Free Home Rules and Association with Child Secondhand Smoke Exposure among Mother–Child Dyad Relationships

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5256

Author(s):

Westley L. Fallavollita ◽

Elizabeth K. Do ◽

Julia C. Schechter ◽

Scott H. Kollins ◽

Junfeng (Jim) Zheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

Secondhand Smoke ◽

Smoke Exposure ◽

Future Research ◽

Secondhand Smoke Exposure ◽

Black African ◽

Smoking Behaviors ◽

Salivary Cotinine ◽

Household Members ◽

Smoking Mother

Smoke-free home rules restrict smoking in the home, but biomarkers of secondhand smoke exposure are needed to help understand the association between smoke-free homes and child secondhand smoke exposure. Participants (n = 346) were majority Black/African American mother–child dyads from a longitudinal study in North Carolina. Mothers completed questionnaires on household smoking behaviors and rules, and child saliva samples were assayed for secondhand smoke exposure. Regression models used smoke-free home rules to predict child risk for secondhand smoke exposure. Children in households with smoke-free home rules had less salivary cotinine and risk for secondhand smoke exposure. After controlling for smokers in the household, home smoking rules were not a significant predictor of secondhand smoke exposure. Compared to children in households with no smokers, children in households with at least one smoker but a non-smoking mother (OR 5.35, 95% CI: 2.22, 13.17) and households with at least one smoker including a smoking mother (OR 13.73, 95% CI: 6.06, 33.28) had greater risk for secondhand smoke exposure. Results suggest smoke-free home rules are not sufficient to fully protect children from secondhand smoke exposure, especially in homes with smokers. Future research should focus on how household members who smoke can facilitate the prevention of child secondhand smoke exposure.

Download Full-text