期刊名称：International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health
电子版ISSN：1840-4529
出版年度：2014
卷号：6
期号：6
出版社：DRUNPP Sarajevo
摘要：Background: Many are aware that smoking is harmful to the health of smokers but minimal concern is given to those around smokers who are known as passive smokers. Many non- smokers are killed annually as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. Passive smoking has also been strongly associated with poor health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a range or cancers. Aim & Objectives: To assess the awareness and practices among Malaysian urban working adults towards passive smoking. Method: A cross-sectional survey to assess awareness and attitudes towards passive smoking was conducted among consenting working adults from urban areas in Malaysia. Results: A total of 186 adults aged between 22-87 years participated in the study where 56.3% of the respondents were females and 43.7% males. Majority (98.9%) agreed that cigarette smoke is harmful to the non-smokers around while 22.4% were not sure if the smoke from shisha/water pipe was harmful. 66.1% agreed that sidestream smoke was more harmful than mainstream smoke whereas 29.5% were unsure which kind of smoke is more harmful. A total of 87.4% did not like people to smoke around them and 95.6% of the respondents did not like people to smoke in their house. Besides, 86.9% believed that smoking should not be permitted in the workplace. Most adults (74.9%) agreed that they have the right to ask people to not smoke in their presence whereas the rest (19.7%) were either unsure of their rights or disagreed (5.5%). Almost all of the participants (99.5%) felt that people should not smoke in front of children and children should be taught about the bad effects of smoking. Conclusion: The awareness among urban working adults on passive smoking was fair though the practices were poor. Health education efforts on smoking should address the empowerment of non-smokers and must include culturally appropriate ways to express their desire for a smoke- free environment
