Changes in Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Youth in Nebraska
Author Information
Author(s): Mbulo Lazarous
Primary Institution: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Hypothesis
To examine the extent of secondhand smoke exposure among Nebraska public middle and high school students in 2002 and 2006.
Conclusion
There were reductions in exposure to secondhand smoke among Nebraska's middle and high school students, but exposure remains a significant issue, especially in rooms.
Supporting Evidence
- Secondhand smoke exposure in a room, a vehicle, or both declined from 69.0% in 2002 to 61.3% in 2006.
- Only white students showed a significant decline in exposure from 70.0% in 2002 to 61.4% in 2006.
- Girls were more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke in 2006 than boys.
- Both smokers and nonsmokers experienced significant declines in exposure from 2002 to 2006.
Takeaway
The study found that fewer kids in Nebraska were around secondhand smoke in 2006 compared to 2002, but many still are, especially at home.
Methodology
The Nebraska Youth Tobacco Survey was administered in 2002 and 2006 to a representative sample of public middle and high school students, collecting data on demographics, tobacco use, and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Limitations
The data only represent public middle and high school students in Nebraska, responses were self-reported and cannot be validated, and the definition of 'in a room' is not specific enough.
Participant Demographics
Participants included middle and high school students from public schools in Nebraska, with a focus on various racial and ethnic groups.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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