J Korean Med Sci.  2018 Sep;33(36):e229. 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e229.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure at Home and Attributable Problem Behaviors in Korean Children and Adolescents for 2012–2014 in a Nationally Representative Survey

• Yang HS
• Lim H
• Choi J
• Bae S
• Kim Y
• Kwon HJ
• Ha M

• KMID: 2419376
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e229

Abstract

BACKGROUND
This study aimed to examine the environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure at home and associated problem behaviors in Korean children and adolescents.
METHODS
Approximately 2,167 children aged 3-18 years were included in the study after excluding 163 active smokers from the Korean Environmental Health Survey in Children and Adolescents (2012-2014). ETS data were obtained using a questionnaire; problem behaviors were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist administered to parents. The relationship between ETS exposure and problem behavior was evaluated using a survey regression model adjusted for region, age, sex, income, and father's education. The population-attributable fraction (PAF%) was calculated based on problem behaviors related to ETS exposure at home.
RESULTS
The rates of ETS exposure at home were 20%, 28%, and 39% in children aged 3-5, 6-11, and 12-18 years, respectively; ETS exposure at home was associated with behavioral problems: the exposed group having higher total behavioral problem score (95% confidence interval [CI]) than the non-exposed by 2.46 (0.60-4.32) and 2.74 (0.74-4.74) in children aged 6-11 and 12-18 years, respectively, with no significant association in those aged 3-5 years. The PAF% (95% CI) of total problem behaviors for ETS exposure at home were 2.68 (−10.11-17.78), 10.66 (3.25-17.55), and 11.62 (3.03-18.96) in children aged 3-5, 6-11, and 12-18 years, respectively. Children with externalizing problems had higher PAF% than those with internalizing problems.
CONCLUSION
In Korea, ETS exposure at home is associated with problem behaviors in children and adolescents with about more than 10% population attributable fraction.

Keyword

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure; Home; Problem Behavior; Population-attributable Fraction

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Checklist
Child Behavior
Child*
Education
Environmental Health
Humans
Korea
Parents
Problem Behavior*
Smoke*
Tobacco*
Smoke