Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Subsequent Academic Performance Among U.S. Youth

Abstract

Introduction: Previous research shows the associations between secondhand smoke exposure and health consequences among youth, but less is known about its effect on academic performance. This study examines a dose-response relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and subsequent academic performance among U.S. youth.

Methods: Data were from a nationally representative sample of youth non-tobacco users (aged 12-16 years) in Wave 2 (2014-2015) who completed Wave 3 (2015-2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (n=9,020). Past-7-day number of hours exposed to secondhand smoke at Wave 2 and academic performance at Wave 3 (1=Mostly As to 9=Mostly Fs) were assessed. Weighted multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between hours of self-reported secondhand smoke exposure at Wave 2 and academic performance at Wave 3 (1=Mostly Fs, 9=Mostly As), adjusting for covariates including sociodemographics, prior academic performance, internalizing and externalizing problems, and substance use problems. Analyses were conducted in 2019.

Results: More than 30% of U.S. youth non-tobacco users were exposed to secondhand smoke in the past 7 days. Compared with unexposed youth at Wave 2, those who were exposed for 1-9 hours had poorer academic performance at Wave 3 (adjusted regression coefficient= -0.11, 95% CI= -0.18, -0.04), and those who were exposed for ≥10 hours at Wave 2 had even poorer academic performance (adjusted regression coefficient = -0.31, 95% CI= -0.45, -0.18).

Conclusions: A dose-response relationship was observed between secondhand smoke exposure and academic performance among U.S. youth. Reducing youth secondhand smoke exposure may promote academic performance and subsequent educational attainment.