Determination of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Children through Urine Cotinine: A Cross -Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cotinine is the most widely used biological marker of ETS exposure, detected in saliva, blood, urine etc. Determining cotinine levels in urine alongwith caregiver-completed questionnaires is an optimal method for assessing ETS exposure in children. Aim: To determine environmental tobacco smoke exposure in children through urine cotinine. Method: 60 children in the age range 3-8 years are selected. Urine sample are assayed by a modification of a high-performance liquid chromatography. Memory based measures of smoking and exposure were collected from mothers. Result: Significantly positive correlation was found between urinary cotinine concentrations and number of cigarette/s smoked by parents, and number of smokers in residence. Statistically significant increases in mean levels of urinary cotinine in children whose parent/s affirmed smoking in the presence of child was determined. Conclusion: ETS exposure in children can be correlated with the smoking behavior of the parents. Counselling for smoking cessation and educational interventions are necessary.