Prevalence and respiratory function study of passive child smokers in the city of Santa Fe, Paraná and its association with socioeconomic level

Abstract

When children are exposed to tobacco, they are considered passive smokers and may have frequent respiratory complications. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of passive smoking in schoolchildren and correlate it with the socioeconomic level of the parents / guardians, as well as to evaluate the lung function and respiratory muscle strength of passive smokers. First, the parents / guardians of the children filled out questionnaires about smoking habits and socioeconomic status. Subsequently, the students were classified as passive smokers or not exposed to tobacco, and submitted to a physical therapy evaluation, manovacuometry, and spirometry. In this way, the study was carried out with 98 children, 28.6% of whom were classified as passive smokers, with at least one smoker in the family, and 71% did not present tobacco exposure. The passive smokers’ group had significantly lower MIP, FVC and peak expiratory flow than the group not exposed to tobacco. It was concluded that the prevalence of passive smoking among schoolchildren and the low level of schooling of the heads of the families of the passive smoking group was high. Both groups (passive smokers and the group not exposed to tobacco) presented a reduction in forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and an increased Tiffeneau index; however, when compared, they did not present statistically significant differences.

Keywords

• smoking. physical therapy. respiratory system. spirometry. health promotion.