Within the last few decades, the prevalence of cigarette smoking has decreased because of the vast amount of research which indicates that smoking leads to health problems many of which are potentially fatal. Also, smoking harms not only those whom choose to smoke but non-smokers in the area are affected by even low levels of cigarette smoke. Thus, cigarette smoking has become a public health concern. Around the globe, countries are passing smoke-free laws in public areas such as businesses, restaurants, and bars. In the United States, many universities have enacted smoke-free campus policies to ensure the health of all their students in all places on campus. The purpose of this research is to identify the support or opposition for a smoke-free campus policy at the University of Central Florida by UCF students. A survey was distributed to undergraduate students at UCF which asks whether they would support such a policy along with characterizing questions about their smoking habits, lifestyle, history, and opinion. The analysis of the data shows that the majority of UCF student would support a smoke-free campus policy.

While the adverse health risks associated with smoking have been well-documented, few studies have examined the cardiovascular outcomes associated with secondhand smoking. The purpose of the study was to assess the distributions and association of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS). Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 cycle. Self-reported smoking status and cotinine levels were used to identify exposure groups (smokers, nonsmokers, and secondhand smokers), and medical history of several cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart diseases and stroke were also collected via self-report survey. The association between exposure to SHS and seven cardiovascular outcomes were analyzed using chi-square analysis and odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using two logistic regression models. The data included 5,709 subjects including 18.5% smokers, 23.6% secondhand smokers, and 57.9% nonsmokers. There was statistically significant association between exposure to SHS and only two out of seven cardiovascular outcomes, hypertension (OR 1.554, 95% CI [1.066, 2.265]) and cholesterol levels (OR 1.213, 95% CI [1.017, 1.446]). This study is one of the first to determine an association between SHS and seven cardiovascular outcomes, thus highlighting the importance of reducing SHS exposure and can be used for further research on SHS and cardiovascular health.

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Background/Purpose: The Kids Safe and Smokefree (KiSS) trial aimed to reduce secondhand smoke exposure to children. The study used a multifaceted approach that included a pediatric clinic-level intervention, individual behavioral counseling and community services for nicotine dependence. This secondary analysis focuses on the individual behavioral counseling portion of the intervention. The purpose of this cross-sectional, secondary analysis is to investigate the factors that affect adherence in a telephone-based intervention to reduce secondhand smoke exposure to children among a low-income population of women. Methods: Of those enrolled in the KiSS study, 163 cases assigned to the intervention group were used in these secondary analyses. After reviewing the literature, 15 variables of interest were identified as potentially having an association with adherence. A Lasso regression was used to select out variables that were insignificant or “unimportant” to predicting the outcome variable, total missed phone sessions. These variables were then used in a Poisson regression to determine if there was any significant correlation with the outcome. Results: Of the 15 variables in the Lasso regression, six variables were found to potentially have an association with total missed phone sessions. These six variables include: education level, total household occupants, total household smokers, life stress score, program support score and smoking self-efficacy score. The Poisson regression determined that three of these variables did have a significant correlation with missed phone sessions. Lower education level, greater program support and smoking cessation self-efficacy related to greater number of missed phone sessions. Conclusion: Those with higher education may complete more phone sessions because they may be more familiar with the importance of not exposing their children to secondhand smoke. Greater reported program support may be related to more missed phone sessions because the participant may feel that they received the support they needed from one or two of the phone sessions and no longer needed to participate. Another reason for this relationship could be that because the participant felt so supported by the phone session counselor, if they had exposed their child to secondhand smoke, their motivation to please would hinder their adherence. Another analysis would be needed in order to confirm this hypothesis. Lastly, the participants confidence in refraining from smoking may have lead them to miss more phone sessions because they felt that they already had the tools to refrain from exposing their children to secondhand smoke exposure. This analysis confirms that there are many barriers involved in good adherence and that adherence is influenced by many factors. There is a lack of conclusive data about what affects adherence. If research could identify what improves or stunts adherence behaviors, the effectiveness of any treatment could be maximized. / Epidemiology

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a harmful mixture of over 4000 chemicals released from the burning of a cigarette. It has been classified as a Class A carcinogen and exposure to SHS has been proven to be related to negative health effects in humans. Children exposed to SHS are more susceptible to negative health effects because they have higher breathing rates and immature, developing bodies. SHS has been associated with many childhood diseases, including asthma, inner ear infections, and pneumonia. SHS exposure in confined areas, such as inside a motor vehicle, is of concern due to the increased toxicity level of the SHS. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the factors associated with those who smoke in a car containing children and to determine if the estimated prevalence of those who smoke in a vehicle with children has decreased since legislation was passed in Farmington Maine in 2008. Observations were taken at different times of the day and in different seasons. Each observation period consisted of a pair of researchers whom stood at the edge of the roadside, at 7 observations sites located throughout Farmington, Maine. When a vehicle passed, the researchers recorded the child passenger(s) estimated age(s), and the adult passenger(s) estimated age(s), gender, and smoking status. Site locations were chosen based upon ease of observation and neighborhood characteristics that were used as a proxy for socioeconomic status (SES) to the location. Adult data (n=3937) were used to calculate the estimated prevalence and factors of violation. Of all adult observations from 2008 to 2010, 8.26% were observed smoking in a vehicle containing a child, 63.38% of which were male. The estimated prevalence of those smoking in a vehicle containing children decreased from 13.08% (P < .0001), when the law was first enacted in the fall of 2008, to 7.40% (P < .0001) in the fall of 2010. Smoking in vehicles containing children was observed more frequently at sites that were estimated to have a lower SES near them, such as the fairgrounds [(OR=4.48, CI95 (2.49-8.09)] and at the tobacco store location [(OR=7.47, CI95 (4.29-13.01)]. In the final model, gender was found to be significantly associated with smoking in a vehicle containing a child, with males having increased odds of violation [OR=3.13, CI95 (2.44-4.01)]. However, when stratifying by gender, there were significant differences between site locations, dates, and time of the day that males or females were observed smoking. After adjusting for gender, site location, and age, adults observed in the Fall of 2008 were significantly more likely to be smoking in vehicle than those observed in the Fall of 2010 [OR=2.25, CI95 (1.64-3.09)]. The change in prevalence between dates indicates that smoking in a vehicle not only decreased over time, but also that season could have an effect on smoking in vehicle containing children behavior.

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among never-smoking adolescents and identify key factors associated with such exposure. Methods Data were obtained from nationally representative Global Youth Tobacco Surveys conducted in 168 countries during 1999-2008. SHS exposure was ascertained in relation to the location - exposure inside home, outside home, and both inside and outside home, respectively. Independent variables included parental and/or peer smoking, knowledge about smoke harm, attitudes toward smoking ban, age, sex, and World Health Organization region. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Of 356,414 never-smoking adolescents included in the study, 30.4%, 44.2%, and 23.2% were exposed to SHS inside home, outside home, and both, respectively. Parental smoking, peer smoking, knowledge about smoke harm, and positive attitudes toward smoke ban were significantly associated with increased odds of SHS exposure. Approximately 14% of adolescents had both smoking parents and peers. Compared with never-smoking adolescents who did not have both smoking parents and peers, those who had both smoking parents and peers had 19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 19.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16.86-21.41), eight (aOR, 7.71; 95% CI, 7.05-8.43), and 23 times (aOR, 23.16; 95% CI, 20.74-25.87) higher odds of exposure to SHS inside, outside, and both inside and outcome home, respectively. Conclusions Approximately one third and two fifths of never-smoking adolescents were exposed to SHS inside or outside home, and smoking parents and/or peers are the key factors. Study findings highlight the need to develop and implement comprehensive smoke-free policies consistent with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Orientador: Dionei Ramos / Resumo: Introdução: Estima-se que um terço da população mundial inale involuntariamente a fumaça do cigarro, o que pode causar efeitos adversos como alteração dos sinais vitais, redução da função pulmonar e aumentar o risco de desenvolvimento de doenças respiratórias crônicas como a asma. Durante a exacerbação da asma, ocorre aumento da atividade dos músculos respiratórios acessórios e abdominais, o que pode resultar em adaptações musculares e desestabilização da coluna vertebral com consequente relato de dor lombar. Objetivos: O objetivo do primeiro estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do tabagismo passivo na função pulmonar e sinais vitais e correlacionar com fatores de exposição, bem como verificar os benefícios da cessação da exposição à fumaça do cigarro; já o segundo, foi investigar a associação entre dor lombar e asma em uma grande amostra de gêmeos. Métodos: Para o primeiro estudo, 42 indivíduos foram avaliados (19 no grupo exposto e 23 no grupo controle) em relação à função pulmonar, sinais vitais e histórico de exposição à fumaça do cigarro antes e após 8 semanas a cessação da exposição. Já para o segundo estudo, a amostra foi composta de 4.808 gêmeos adultos provenientes do registro de gêmeos da Austrália e de Murcia. Todos os gêmeos responderam a perguntas sobre prevalência de dor lombar, asma e histórico tabagístico. Resultados e Conclusões: O primeiro estudo evidenciou que a CVF de tabagistas passivos está reduzida em comparação a de indivíduos que nunca fumaram se encontra. C... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: It is estimated that one third of the world population involuntarily inhale cigarette smoke, which can cause adverse effects such as changes in vital signs, reduced lung function and increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. During exacerbation of asthma, there is increased activity of respiratory accessories and abdominal muscles, which can result in muscle adaptations and destabilization of the spine, with consequent reporting back pain. Aims: The aim of the first study was to evaluate the effects of passive smoking on lung function and vital signs and correlate with exposure factors and verify the benefits of cessation of exposure to cigarette smoke; the aim of the second was to investigate the association between low back pain and asthma in a large sample of twins. Methods: For the first study, 42 subjects were assessed (19 in the exposed group and 23 in the control group) in relation to pulmonary function, vital signs and history of exposure to cigarette smoke before and after 8 weeks of the end of exposure. For the second study, the sample consisted of 4,808 adult twins from the record of twins from Australia and Murcia. All twins answered questions about the prevalence of low back pain, asthma, and Smoking status history. Results and Conclusions: The first study showed that FVC passive smokers is reduced compared to individuals who have never smoked is. However, the FVC values presented by passive smokers in this study a... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

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No. of bitstreams: 1 brigida_gfs_me_prud.pdf: 1386372 bytes, checksum: b7a980eac33c2f79eb4ffd155d3c0ee9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-05-25 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Introdução: Estima-se que um terço da população mundial inale involuntariamente a fumaça do cigarro, o que pode causar efeitos adversos como alteração dos sinais vitais, redução da função pulmonar e aumentar o risco de desenvolvimento de doenças respiratórias crônicas como a asma. Durante a exacerbação da asma, ocorre aumento da atividade dos músculos respiratórios acessórios e abdominais, o que pode resultar em adaptações musculares e desestabilização da coluna vertebral com consequente relato de dor lombar. Objetivos: O objetivo do primeiro estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do tabagismo passivo na função pulmonar e sinais vitais e correlacionar com fatores de exposição, bem como verificar os benefícios da cessação da exposição à fumaça do cigarro; já o segundo, foi investigar a associação entre dor lombar e asma em uma grande amostra de gêmeos. Métodos: Para o primeiro estudo, 42 indivíduos foram avaliados (19 no grupo exposto e 23 no grupo controle) em relação à função pulmonar, sinais vitais e histórico de exposição à fumaça do cigarro antes e após 8 semanas a cessação da exposição. Já para o segundo estudo, a amostra foi composta de 4.808 gêmeos adultos provenientes do registro de gêmeos da Austrália e de Murcia. Todos os gêmeos responderam a perguntas sobre prevalência de dor lombar, asma e histórico tabagístico. Resultados e Conclusões: O primeiro estudo evidenciou que a CVF de tabagistas passivos está reduzida em comparação a de indivíduos que nunca fumaram se encontra. Contudo, os valores da CVF apresentados pelos tabagistas passivos deste estudo estão dentro da normalidade. A redução da CVF está diretamente correlacionada com a quantidade de horas por dia de exposição; e que tabagistas passivos não apresentaram alteração dos índices espirométricos e sinais vitais após oito semanas da cessação da exposição à fumaça do cigarro. O segundo estudo evidenciou que a dor lombar está associada com a asma na amostra combinada de gêmeos (incluindo gêmeos australianos e espanhóis) e na amostra de gêmeos australianos, mesmo depois do ajuste para fatores de confusão como idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal e tabagismo. Contudo, fatores genéticos e ambientais mostraram atenuar a força dessa associação quando são controlados. Adicionalmente, a prevalência da doença e exposições geográficas específicas devem ser levadas em consideração, uma vez que esses fatores também podem influenciar esta associação. / Introduction: It is estimated that one third of the world population involuntarily inhale cigarette smoke, which can cause adverse effects such as changes in vital signs, reduced lung function and increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. During exacerbation of asthma, there is increased activity of respiratory accessories and abdominal muscles, which can result in muscle adaptations and destabilization of the spine, with consequent reporting back pain. Aims: The aim of the first study was to evaluate the effects of passive smoking on lung function and vital signs and correlate with exposure factors and verify the benefits of cessation of exposure to cigarette smoke; the aim of the second was to investigate the association between low back pain and asthma in a large sample of twins. Methods: For the first study, 42 subjects were assessed (19 in the exposed group and 23 in the control group) in relation to pulmonary function, vital signs and history of exposure to cigarette smoke before and after 8 weeks of the end of exposure. For the second study, the sample consisted of 4,808 adult twins from the record of twins from Australia and Murcia. All twins answered questions about the prevalence of low back pain, asthma, and Smoking status history. Results and Conclusions: The first study showed that FVC passive smokers is reduced compared to individuals who have never smoked is. However, the FVC values presented by passive smokers in this study are within normal limits. The reduction in FVC is directly correlated with the amount of hours per day of exposure; and passive smokers showed no change in spirometric indices and vital signs after eight weeks of the end of exposure to cigarette smoke. The second study showed that low back pain is associated with asthma in the combined sample of twins (including australian and spanish twins) and the sample of australian twins, even after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index and smoking. However, genetic and environmental factors showed attenuate the strength of this association when controlled. Additionally, the prevalence of the disease and specific geographical exposures should be taken into account, since these factors can also influence this association. / FAPESP: 2014/08950-0