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Research Paper | Dental Science | India | Volume 12 Issue 3, March 2023 | Popularity: 5.1 / 10

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Awareness towards Second - Hand Smoke Exposure among Group D Workers of Tertiary Hospital in Mangalore: A Cross Sectional Study

Dr. Kavitha. P. T, Dr. Roshan. Shetty, Dr. Vijaya Hegde

Abstract: Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is home to 12% of the world's smokers. India comprises approximately 120 million smokers and more than 10 million deaths occur yearly. Smoking harms smokers and those who breathe the smoke ?passively?. Second - hand smoke (SHS) is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers. It contains more than 7, 000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic and about 70 lead to cancer. Home is the primary source of smoke exposure; thus, women and children are at a higher risk of SHS exposure. Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted among group D workers and women using a questionnaire developed from previous studies. The developed questionnaire was standardized. It consisted of 12 closed-ended questions related to their socio - demographic factors and their awareness of SHS. Responses were placed on a 3?point Likert scale. The data was collected from those who consented to use Google Forms. The data were analyzed using SPSS Software Version 23. Results: A total of 102 women participated in the study. Even though they were aware of SHS exposure, 63.73% were unaware of third - hand exposure. They were conscious of the harmful effects of SHS exposure on themselves, children, and pregnant women with a percentage of 90.02%, 98.04%, and 82.35% respectively. A total of 43.13% didn?t feel the need to be educated regarding the harmful effects of SHS exposure. The majority of study participants distance themselves from people who smoke. Conclusion: Even though people know about SHS exposure, they didn?t find it necessary to spread awareness about the ill effects of second - hand and third - hand smoke exposure. Therefore health care providers should plan and implement health education programs to spread awareness about the harmful effects of second - hand and third - hand exposure.

Keywords: Tobacco smoke pollution, Smokers, Tobacco products, Female

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 3, March 2023

Pages: 1215 - 1217

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