Evaluation of the Frequency and Awareness of Using Tobacco Products in Parents of Primary School and Preschool Students in Girne

BACKGROUND/AIMS:In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of smoking and extent of awareness of second-hand smoke (SHS) among parents. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a descriptive study.A total of 2,602 questionnaires were administered to the parents of students in 7 different schools.The questionnaire included 8 questions and collected demographic data.The findings were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS:Participation rate was 61.9% among all parents.23.2% of mothers and 43.1% of fathers were active smokers.31% of mothers and 33.8% of fathers were aware of the fact that their children could have many diseases related to SHS. 98.6% of mothers and 98.8% of fathers did not want their children to be exposed to SHS. 60% of mothers and 54.5% of fathers who were active smokers thought that smoking outside the home did not harm their children.90.9% of mothers (n=1162) and 91.5% of fathers (n=1129) wanted their children to receive education about the harms of tobacco products (HTPs).60.9% of active smoker mothers, 69% of exsmoker, and 68.6% of never smoked mothers did not want to receive education about the HTPs (p=0.025).These rates were 63.2%, 75%, and 68.9% among fathers, respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSION:Childhood exposure to SHS in our study is similar to that of previous studies.We think that parents should be educated about SHS, and for those who refuse the education, the reasons behind this should be investigated.