Proportion of exposure of passive smoking in teenage group and symptoms precipitated after exposure to second hand smoke

ABSTRACT

Exposure of passive smoking and second hand smoke [SHS] exposure in teenage group results in precipitation of several symptoms. Five hundred teenagers between ages of 13 - 19 studying in Army Public School and College Westridge, Rawalpindi, were selected for descriptive cross-sectional study from September 2012 till February 2013. Out of the total 500, 279 [55.8%] were exposed to passive smoking while 221 [44.2%] were not exposed to passive smoking. Out of the exposed 279 [55.8%] students, males were 132 [47.3%] and females were 147 [52.7%] with mean age of 15.06 +/- 1.805 years. After exposure to SHS, multiple responses were observed. Statistical significant association was found between symptoms precipitation and exposure to SHS. Nose irritation was present in 84, while 195 did not complain of it [p = 0.002]. Allergic symptoms were precipitated with SHS in 42, while not in 21 students [p < 0.001]. Asthma attack was precipitated in 38, while 241 did not experience precipitation of asthma attack [p < 0.001]. More cough was present in 168, while not in 111 students [p = 0.037]. Nausea was present in 41, while not in 238 [p < 0.001]. Nose irritation was seen in 84 and not in 195 students [p = 0.002]. More than half of the teenagers had exposure to passive smoking. Statistical significant association was found between passive smoking exposure and precipitation of symptoms