Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in people over 15 years old, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Introduction: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is a threat for health worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in people over 15 years old in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study a total of 387 subjects were selected by cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and questions related to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. Data were analyzed by SPSS Software. Results: 44.4% of subjects were male and 55.6% female. The results showed that 98.4% and 93.5% of subjects had been exposed to cigarette and hookah smoke, respectively. 12.7% and 14.7% of subjects revealed to be always and often exposed to cigarette smoke, respectively and just 1.6% did not expose to cigarette smoke. 52.2% of subjects exposed to cigarette smoke at public transportations and 31.3% at home. 93.4% of subjects exposed on hookah smoke at home. There was no significant difference between males and females regarding environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Conclusion: The majority of the subjects were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Preventive efforts and educational programs are necessary to inform people regarding the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke