Prevalence of Parental Smoking and Predictors of Cessation

Abstract

Background. Secondhand smoke exposure harms children. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure in children ≤2 years and determine the predictors of smoking and smoking cessation in parents. Methods. We surveyed parents of children ≤2 years of age, asking about parental smoking patterns, interest in quitting and children’s respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed with chi-square and multiple logistic regression. Results. Thirteen percent were current smokers and 18% had quit. The most common reason for quitting was being pregnant (42%). Children’s respiratory symptoms did not predict quitting. Parents on Medicaid were more likely to smoke than those on private insurance (OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 2.0-16.5) and less likely to quit (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1-0.9). Conclusion. Having a new baby may be a motivator for parents to quit. We must address socioeconomic factors to develop a successful intervention in pediatric practices.