Alexandria Hansen
Country: USA
Background: Bachelor of Arts
Research Project: Attitudes, Knowledge, Behaviour and Beliefs regarding Second Hand Smoke and Cigarette Smoke among Cardiovascular Patients in Ireland
Principal Argument and Objectives: The tobacco epidemic and the cardiovascular disease epidemic are global issues annually affecting the lives of millions of people. Targeting the tobacco epidemic and targeting the associated exposure to second hand smoke has been shown to produce positive results on attempts to eradicate the cardiovascular disease epidemic. However, the increasing death rates due to both tobacco and second hand smoke indicate the paramount need to improve interventions aimed at reducing smoking rates and second hand smoke exposure. Utilizing health related knowledge has emerged as an approach to successfully alter behavior. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge about second hand smoke among a group of cardiovascular patients, and investigate the relationship between smoking-related behaviors and knowledge about second hand smoke.
Methods: Quantitative research utilizing hypothesis testing, referral sampling and questionnaire tools was conducted to explore levels of knowledge about and attitudes toward second hand smoke among cardiovascular patients at St. James’s Hospital. Data on age, sex, and smoking status was collected to evaluate for factors influencing patients’ knowledge, and to identify a possible trend between smoking behavior and knowledge about second hand smoke. A knowledge index scale was formed from responses to four questions on specific health effects associated with second hand smoke. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 18.0).
Results: The research identified an overall low level of knowledge about the health effects associated with second hand smoke among cardiovascular patients. Analysis of the results revealed the presence of a relationship between smoking status and knowledge about second hand smoke, and a relationship between smoking status and attitudes towards the health effects associated with second hand smoke and cigarette smoking. Knowledge with respect to second hand smoke was lowest among current smokers who likewise identified less strong attitudes and weaker acceptance for statements on cigarette smoke and second hand smoke.
Conclusions: Results suggest that current efforts aimed at informing patients of the health risks due to second hand smoke are inadequate. At-risk patients, such as individuals with cardiovascular, need to be better informed of specific health consequences linked with their disease. Increasing detailed knowledge regarding the effects of smoking and second hand smoke exposure could lead to stronger risk perceptions and thus, reductions in smoking rates. Utilizing improved informational interventions to increase levels of knowledge and strengthen concomitant attitudes could aid in both the global tobacco epidemic and the global cardiovascular epidemic.
Key Words: Second Hand Smoke, Cigarette Smoke, Cardiovascular Disease, Knowledge
Word Count: 14,956