Tobacco Smoke Exposure–Related Illnesses Among Pediatric Emergency Department Patients

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to determine the relationship between patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department (PED) and potential tobacco smoke exposure (TSE)–related illnesses. Methods A retrospective review of electronic medical records of pediatric emergency department patients ( N = 116,084) was conducted. Sociodemographic characteristics, TSE-related illnesses, and TSE documentation were extracted. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Results More than one fifth (21.7%) of patients had TSE-related illnesses. Patients who were younger, male, non-White, or Hispanic; had Medicaid/Medicare insurance, had low triage acuity; or were admitted to any non–intensive care unit or intensive care unit were significantly more likely to have TSE-related illnesses. Twenty-eight percent of patients with TSE documentation had positive TSE status. Although regression models for positive TSE indicated similar findings, no difference was found based on ethnicity. Discussion Pediatric emergency departments, especially those that care for large numbers of children, should offer tobacco interventions that target at-risk populations and caregivers who are most likely not receiving interventions in other health care settings.