The Invisible Danger: Third-hand Smoke and Families’ Knowledge Levels

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to idenitfy the knowledge levels of families regarding third-hand smoke (THS), which represents the most significant health risk currently, and to raise awareness of the subject. Material and Methods: The ’Beliefs About Third-hand Smoke’ (BATHS) scale was applied to 1016 caregivers. The BATHS scale and sub-factor scale results were compared in terms of participant-related variables such as smoking behaviors, THS awareness and beliefs, and sociodemographic findings. Results: Awareness of the term THS was very low (8.7%). Statistically significantly low smoking habits and high BATHS scale scores were determined among participants who owned their own homes, those with higher levels of education and income, and in non-parent relatives (p