Impact of Regular Passive Smoking in Home on Health and Academic Performance of School- Pupils in Khartoum

Abstract

Background: Tobacco smoke is one of the most important sources of air pollution in home. It has been linked to many respiratory complications in pupils; however, there is great variation in intensity of these complications between individuals. The aim of this study is to determine effects of passive smoking on health and academic performance of male school-pupils in Khartoum. Methods: A random sample of 69 passive smokers (cases) was selected from three "Basic Education Schools" for boys in Khartoum. Inclusion criteria were a school pupil, 9-14 years old, not active smoker, exposed regularly to cigarette smoke in home since birth. A control group of 66 non-smokers with no history of regular environmental tobacco smoke exposure was selected from the same schools. The two groups were matched according to age, weight, height, socioeconomic status and area of residence. Information about smoking history, school performance and past medical history was collected from each pupil and his parents using a questionnaire. Results: Previous hospital admissions and surgical operations were not different between the two groups (P>0.05). History of upper and lower respiratory tract infections during the last year was found in 33 (47.8%) of cases and 23 (34.8%) of controls (P>0.05).Snoring during sleep was significantly higher among cases 11 (15.9%) than controls 3 (4.5%); (P=0.03, OR=3.98). Percentage of pupils with excellent academic performance in the last school examination was insignificantly lower in cases 8 (11.6%) than controls 13 (19.7%). Conclusion: Passive smoking causes significant snoring during sleep and insignificant increase in hospital admissions, surgical operations and respiratory infections among school-pupils in Khartoum.