Association Between the Location of Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Depressive Symptoms among South Korean Adolescents

Abstract

The incidence of depression among adolescents has gradually increased, leading to adult psychological outcomes and suicide. Although the rate of secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) has recently decreased, SHSE remains high in children. We aimed to determine the association between depressive symptoms in adolescents and the locations of SHSE using an extensive population survey. Using data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we assessed self-reported data of depressive symptoms and SHSE among non-smokers. SHSE locations were classified into four groups: only at school, only at home, at both school and home, and other places. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associations between SHSE locations and depressive symptoms. The relationship between SHSE and depressive symptoms was the highest in the “SHSE at home and school” group (boys: odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44–1.80; girls: OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.54–1.91), followed by the “school” (boys: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.39–1.67; girls: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.25–1.48) and “home” groups (boys: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.12–1.35; girls: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.20–1.40). These results emphasize the importance of stricter smoking regulations not only in public places, but also in households. Adolescents and their families should be educated on the dangers of smoking and the effects of SHSE on mental health.

Recent Tobacco Smoking, Restaurant and In-Car Secondhand Smoke Exposure are Associated with Depressive Symptom among Young Adults: A Population-based Cross-sectional Analysis

“…In contrast, restrictions on smoking in car and restaurant may be less prevalent. This could explain why exposure in some environments may be more likely to become important risk factors for depressive symptoms (Jang et al, 2020). However, this explanation does not truly include all results of our study.…”

Recent tobacco smoking, restaurant and in-car secondhand smoke exposure are associated with depressive symptoms among young adults: a population-based cross-sectional analysis

“…For example, one who have expectations of a clean environment may experience feelings of disappointment and hopelessness if those expectations are not met. In addition, people's inability to respond to changes in the environment can compound these feelings of disappointment and frustration, further increasing the risk of depressive symptom 40 . For example, one who are unable to adapt to secondhand smoke exposure in an environment where smoking is theoretically not allowed may experience feelings of hopelessness and despair, further exacerbating his mental health problems.…”

Associations between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral health symptoms in adolescents

“…According to a study conducted in Kuwait, asthma may be another negative health outcome in adolescents resulting from ETS exposure [ 8 ]. Another study showed an association between ETS exposure and depression among South Korean adolescents [ 9 ].…”