Gender Differences in Factors Associated with Secondhand Smoke Exposure among Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence on the prevalence of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among cancer patients. We aimed to investigate its prevalence, and to identify gender differences in factors associated with SHS exposure among cancer patients. METHODS: Participants were 304 patients who have been treated via either inpatient or outpatient clinics in the National Cancer Center. SHS exposure was defined as an individual's experience of SHS exposure during the past month. Gender-stratified analysis was performed by using a logistic regression analysis with potential covariates. RESULTS: SHS exposure was prevalent in 69.5% of the total participants, specifically in 57.1% of men and 62.7% of women; however, it did not differ significantly by gender. The prevalence of SHS exposure at home was significantly greater in women (20.7%) than in men (4.4%) (P=0.048). Among men, age < or =50 years (Adjusted odds ratio [OR]=3.11; confidence interval [CI]=1.05-9.24), employed status (Adjusted OR=3.15; CI=1.38-7.19), and having family smokers (Adjusted OR=0.32; CI=0.12-0.82) were significantly associated with SHS exposure. Among women, employment status (Adjusted OR=2.67; CI=1.40-5.10), good self-rated health (Adjusted OR=2.35; CI=1.20-4.61), and having family smokers (Adjusted OR=2.03; CI=1.05-3.91) were significantly associated with SHS exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients were exposed to SHS by 69.5% during the past month. Among cancer patients, factors associated with SHS exposure differed by gender. Therefore, gender-specific strategies for preventing SHS exposure are needed for cancer patients.