The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: to evaluate the respiratory health risk in preschool children, exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

Methods: The type, rate and time of occurrence of respiratory symptoms and diseases were followed up in 107 exposed and 106 non-exposed to ETS children, matched by age, sex, household characteristics and leaving conditions.

Results: The received results showed that cough, not related to respiratory infections (OR=1.19), night cough, wheezing and whistling in the chest (OR=1.89) were more frequent, started in earlier age and tend to become chronic in exposed children group (P<0.05). Children with diagnosis chronic obstructive bronchitis (OR=1.56), pneumonia (OR=1.63) and bronchial asthma (OR=1.28) belong also to this group. The risk for the development of respiratory symptoms and broncho-pulmonary conditions showed a significant dose-response relationship depending on exposure (P<0.05). In conclusion it should be emphasized that our results reveal the relevance and significance of passive smoking effect on preschool children's respiratory health. The intervention strategies for smoking control should include both public policies and preventive measures implemented by health professionals.