PREVALENCE, PATTERNS AND PREDICTORS OF SECONDHAND TOBACCO SMOKE EXPOSURE AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIAT.E. IWUAGWU, A.C. ISABU, A.S. AZUBUIKE3, O.K. ONYEKWERE, W. YOHANNA, N. K. ENEMUO1, I.G. OZURUMBA6, N.E. ANYICHIE7, C.N. AGUOCHA AND A. IBHAFIDONAbstract Evidences have shown that secondhand tobacco smoke (STS) exposure has remained a major threat to public health as well as a causal risk factor for a number of health problems for adults. This study assessed prevalence, patterns and predictors of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure in a sample of adults in South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and November, 2020 at the households/centres in South East Nigeria. Data on prevalence of STS exposure in different settings, tobacco smoking and health knowledge about STS were collected in the process using an 18-item structured questionnaire. Findings reveal that adults in lower age groups with no formal education and males were less exposed to STS. Adults with primary education and those with low and moderate knowledge of STS had higher likelihood of STS exposure at home, workplace and public places. In contrast to workplace, adults aged 42-55 years old and those with secondary education had higher likelihood of STS exposure at home and public places. Adults that smoke tobacco less than daily had lesser likelihood of STS exposure at home, workplace and public places than those that smoke daily. STS control should not be overlooked in public health policy. However, public sensitization and seminars should be organized by Non- Governmental Organizations and health stakeholders to enlighten adults on the adverse health outcomes of being exposed to STS at any setting particularly home and consequently take necessary precautions against the inherent dangers and their underlying predictors. |