Parental smoking and respiratory illnesses in Australian children aged 0-4 years: ABS 1989-90 National Health Survey results.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the associations between parental smoking and respiratory infections in Australian children aged 0-4 years. METHODS: Data from the ABS 1989-90 National Health Survey were used. The exposure variables examined were maternal, paternal and combined family smoking. Outcome variables were parent-reported chronic or recent asthma, asthma wheeze, bronchitis, influenza, common cold, cough, otitis media and other respiratory conditions. Logistic regression techniques were used to control for confounding by socio-economic status, child's sex, maternal education, place of residence, ethnicity and family size. RESULTS: Of the 4,281 children in the sample, 45% lived in households with one or more current smokers and 29% had a mother who smoked. Maternal (but not paternal) smoking was significantly associated with asthma (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.19-1.94) and asthma wheeze (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.26-1.80). No other significant associations were observed. Positive and significant dose response relationships were found between the amount of maternal smoking and both asthma variables. Population attributable risks were calculated and almost 13% of asthma and asthma wheeze in 0-4 year old Australian children in 1989-90 was estimated to be due to maternal smoking. CONCLUSION: Large numbers of Australian children live in households with smokers. This study, like others, has shown an association between maternal smoking and respiratory illnesses in young children. Further strategies are needed to prevent or reduce young children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in their homes.