Objective

To assess the association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and different socioeconomic determinants among Spanish children.

Method

We analyzed the data of 5495 children included in the 2011-2012 Spanish National Health Survey. We estimated the prevalence of exposure to ETS and adjusted logistic regression models to identify variables related to exposure to ETS: total exposure and exposure in the home in addition to ETS exposure in enclosed public places/transport.

Results

Total exposure to ETS among children aged 15 and younger was 11.8%, 11.5% of whom were exposed at home and 0.8% in enclosed public places/transport. The prevalence odds ratio (POR) of exposure at home increased with age (6-9 years: 2.19; 10-14 years: 2.28), in children with parents of low or medium education levels (1.97 and 1.29), of social class IV-VI (1.42), among those living in a household with a composition other than a "couple with children" (1.43), and in smaller-sized homes (1.39). Total exposure results were similar to home exposure results.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ETS is higher among children younger than 15 years with a more difficult economic situation. These inequalities must be considered in the establishment and development of public health policies.

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