Changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in secondhand smoke exposure in Spanish children, 2016–2019

Abstract

Introduction Children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, especially those with lower socioeconomic status. This study assesses the changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure in children younger than 12 years old in Spain between 2016 and 2019. Methods We conducted two cross-sectional studies among representative samples of households with children aged 0.05), while decreased in smoke-free rules in cars (p=0.039). Conclusions Reported SHS exposure among children in Spain remained high between 2016 and 2019. Inequalities persisted at home, highlighting the need for measures to reduce such exposure with an equity perspective.

Keywords

• tobacco smoke pollution
• smokefree rules
• children
• inequalities
• socioeconomic position