Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Smoking Attitudes and Behaviors Among Adolescents in the Gaza Strip: Findings From the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remains a critical public health concern, especially for adolescents, who are more susceptible to its harmful effects and may initiate smoking as a result. SHS, comprising both mainstream and sidestream smoke, contains over 7000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Adolescents exposed to SHS are more likely to experiment with smoking due to environmental influences, peer pressure, and familial smoking behavior.

Objective

This study aims to examine the relationship between SHS exposure and smoking attitudes and behaviors among adolescents aged 13-15 in the Gaza Strip, where SHS exposure and tobacco use remain prevalent.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), a cross-sectional, school

SUBMITTER: Maraqa B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11742161 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature