P303 A multicentre health promotion study, examining parental knowledge of and reducing exposure to passive smoking (REPS)

Le résumé fourni par la source

The harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke on the paediatric population is well documented in the literature. The aim of this study is to examine the existing parental knowledge between passive smoking and increased rates of paediatric hospitalisation and to provide an intervention in the form of referral to a smoking cessation programme. A pilot study was conducted in a tertiary paediatric centre. This prospective cohort study recruited thirty-six paediatric patients presenting with respiratory tract infections. Consenting families were asked seven questions regarding their smoking habits. Following completion of the pilot study a further fifty patients from two level two paediatric centres were identified. In the level two centres focus was narrowed to children directly affected by passive smoking. Parents accepting referral to a twelve-week smoking cessation programme are currently being followed up over a six-month period. In the case of parents declining a referral to smoking cessation, a reason for refusal was also sought. From the pilot, although most claimed a desire to quit smoking, acceptance of referral to the smoking cessation programme was poor. Results from the level two centres where the service is offered on site reflected better uptake with 52% (26/50) accepting a referral to smoking cessation services. Over the three centres only 69% of parents claimed an awareness of the harmful effects of environment tobacco smoke with a wide variation between different geographical areas. Results comparing the three centres are demonstrated in the table below. Preliminary results from smoking cessation team showed that 50% (13/26) of those referred from the level two centres attended their cessation appointments. 11% (3/26) changed their minds once contacted by the smoking cessation team and the remainder were uncontactable or have not yet made an appointment. 23% (6/26) were smoke free for the last fourteen days at the time of follow up. Our data suggests scope to improve education of parents on the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke. We also suggest that referral to smoking cessation services routinely be offered to parents of children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke as a cost-effective health promotion strategy. Recruitment is ongoing.

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