Secondhand smoke exposure among United States children with functional disabilities: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2021-2023.

OBJECTIVE

Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) poses significant health problems. This study aims to examine the prevalence and factors associated with SHSe among 5-17 years old U.S. children with functional disabilities.

METHODS

NHANES 2021-2023 applied Child Functioning Module to assess functional disabilities among 5-17 years old U.S. children. SHSe was defined as living in the same household with a person who is a tobacco smoker.

RESULTS

Over three million (32.9 %) children with functional disabilities were exposed to SHS. Children with functional disabilities had higher odds of SHSe compared with children without functional disabilities (Adjusted Odds Ratio "AOR" =1.79, 95 % CI = 1.45, 2.23). Among children with functional disabilities, Hispanic children had lower odds of SHSe compared with non-Hispanic White children (AOR = 0.36, 95 % CI = 0.18, 0.72). The odds of SHSe among children with functional disabilities were negatively associated with the household reference person's educational level (less than high school: AOR = 11.86, 95 % CI = 3.26, 43.16; high school/general educational development/some college: AOR = 6.36, 95 % CI = 2.53, 15.98; ≥ college degree as the reference).

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in SHSe at home by education level and race/ethnicity among U.S. children with functional disabilities are noted and warrant tailored interventions to reduce SHSe.