Epidemiology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Second-Hand Smoke (SHS) can seep into living homes from somewhere else in or outside of a building in Multiunit Housing (MUH). The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of SHS incursion in MUH and to assess relationships between SHS incursion and socio-demographic and home environmental factors in Korea. Population-based samples of 2,600 MUH residents (â�?¥19 years) in Seoul were collected through a web-based panel. The residents completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, smoking status, a frequency of SHS incursion, and home environmental factors. Homes with personal smoke-free rule were determined when residents declared they lived in homes where no one smoked inside. In 2,600 residents, a frequency of SHS incursion was less likely to report residents who were smokers. Non-smoking residents who lived in homes with personal smoke-free rule were included for further analysis (n=1,784). The residents who were experienced for SHS incursion within past 12 months were 74.7%. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis resulted that residents who had more activity time at home, lived with children, supported for the implementation of smoke-free regulation in MUH, lived in homes with smaller home size, lived in homes with natural ventilation with open front doors or open both windows and front door, and lived in homes with higher frequency of natural ventilation were more likely to report SHS incursion at home. Majorities of the non-smoking residents who lived in a home with smoke-free rule were experienced for SHS incursion at home. Activity time at home, living with children, support for the implementation of smoke-free regulation in MUH, home size, methods of natural ventilation, and frequency of natural ventilation was predictors for SHS incursion in MUH. A smokefree policy in MUH is needed to protect residents from SHS exposure when they are at home.

Biography

Jeonghoon Kim is working in Department of Environmental Health in Seoul Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea. He is also a Ph.D. student in Graduate School of Public Health at Seoul National University and majored in Environmental Health. His study is focused on exposure science. Recently, he is more focused on Second Hand Smoke (SHS) exposure in hospitality venues and multiunit housing.