Prevalence of Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Conditions in U.S. Children with Tobacco Smoke Exposure.

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of current mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions among U.S. school-age children with tobacco smoke exposure (TSE).

METHOD: Data from the 2016-17 National Survey of Children's Health were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses among 6-11-year-olds (n = 21,539) and among subsamples aged 6-8 years (n = 10,100) and 9-11 years (n = 11,439) were conducted.

RESULTS

Among 6-11-year-olds who lived with a smoker with no home TSE, the top mental health/neurodevelopmental conditions were other mental health conditions (22.1%), behavioral/conduct problems (21.7%), attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (20.5%), depression (21.7%), and learning disability (19.3%). Children who lived with a smoker, with or without home TSE, were at increased odds of having anxiety problems, depression, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral/conduct problems, other mental health conditions, or learning disabilities. Many associations were more notable in younger children with home TSE.

DISCUSSION: TSE is associated with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Interventions to decrease TSE are needed to protect children.