Health Effects of Passive Smoking and Socio-Demographic Factors among Tobacco Users: A Retrospective Study

Background: Smoking cessation continues to be an issue of public health concern in Bangladesh, with a high prevalence of male smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. It is for this reason that it is pertinent to know the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge attitudes, and health risks and impacts of active and passive smoking. Objective: The objectives of this study include assessing the health risks of passive smoking on Bangladeshi adults, understanding the role of socio-demographic characteristics in tobacco use, and determining the awareness of health risks by tobacco users and people exposed to second-hand smoke. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was carried out at the Community Based Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh during July 2021 to June 2022. In total, one hundred participants with an age of 18 years and above were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Data was collected by administering a structured questionnaire and interviewing the participants face-to-face. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests were also conducted. Results: The sample possessed a mean age of 32 years. 85 years, with male participants being 60%. Understanding about these smoking-related health consequences differed with gender and level of education achieved. 69% of them were aware that smoking causes environmental pollution, and 73% knew that smoking posed danger to pregnant women. As for the negative health consequences of smoking, only 5% of the respondents mentioned that it causes respiratory problems. Self-identified health complaints included cancer, hypertension, and abdominal pain/vomiting in 19%, 18%, and 16% of respondents, respectively. Conclusion: There is a lack of adequate information as regards the dangers of active and passive smoking to the studied population. These findings further stress the importance of intensification of tobacco control because of the high burden of severe diseases. Considering these gaps in knowledge, gender disparities, and protection from SHS exposure, appropriate interventions need to be applied to minimize morbidity and mortality from tobacco use in Bangladesh.