Passive smoking is associated with cognitive and emotional impairment in adolescent girls

Abstract

It is well established that smoking is associated with impaired mental health and sleep problems. However the possible effects of passive smoking on cognitive and emotional characteristics have not previously been evaluated in adolescents. We investigated the association between passive smoking and cognitive and emotional function, and sleep patterns in 940 adolescent girls. The girls were divided into 2 groups [305 exposed subjects and 635 non-exposed subjects (the controls)]. The passive smokers had a significantly lower cognitive function and higher depression, aggression, and insomnia scores compared to the control group (P <0.05). No significant difference was detected with respect to daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea. Logistic regression analyses showed that the passive smokers were more likely than the controls to have cognitive impairments, depressive mood, aggressive behavior and insomnia. Adolescents passive smokers had significant differences in their cognitive abilities and emotional function.

Effect of parent-child relationship on physical aggression among adolescents: Global school-based student health survey

“…Similar findings were reported in other studies that the risk of smoking tobacco was increased in adolescents with aggressive dispositions ( Kelishadi et al, 2015 ; Whalen et al, 2001 ). Moreover in this study, a comparatively higher proportion of exposure to second-hand smoke was seen in physically violent adolescents as compared to the non-aggressive ones, this was in agreement with another study which evidenced that adolescent girls who are comparatively more exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to have aggressive behaviors ( Khorasanchi et al, 2019 ). The probable reason for this association might be the mood swings and addictive tendencies associated with aggression.…”

Passive Smoking Exposure in Living Environments Reduces Cognitive Function: A Prospective Cohort Study in Older Adults

“…Exposure to passive smoking can increase the risk of developing or dying from diseases such as cancer (particularly lung and breast cancer) and cardiovascular diseases (e.g., stroke, angina, and hypertension), as well as cognitive impairment [3][4][5]. Positive correlations between tobacco exposure and cognitive impairment, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases have also been reported [6,7]. However, some studies have suggested a protective role of nicotine against cognitive impairment [8,9].…”

Associations Between Secondhand Smoke and Mental Health in Korean Adolescents

“…33,34 Furthermore, secondhand smoke exposure was also associated with poor mental health according to a stratified analysis of smoking status. In previous studies, secondhand smoke exposure was associated to sleep problems (insomnia or caused by psychosocial stress), 35,36 depression, 10,37 and planned or attempted suicide. 22 Although the intensity of the effect of secondhand smoke exposure on mental health varied according to smoking status, secondhand smoke exposure was associated with an increase in mental health problems.…”