A 1999 AAP Periodic Survey of Fellows mailed to 1,623 randomly selected pediatricians explored the frequency of pediatricians' inquiries about smoking and ETS among adolescent patients with asthma, perception of the effect of ETS on the health of all patients, and chart documentation regarding patient exposure to ETS (RR=58%). Responses from post-residency pediatricians who provide direct patient care were analyzed (N=761). About half of pediatricians (51%) ask adolescent patients with asthma about smoking and exposure to ETS in the home at every visit. Pediatricians in hospital/clinic practices, and those practicing in inner-cities are significantly more likely to inquire about exposure to ETS than pediatricians in other practice types or settings. More pediatricians who treat asthmatic adolescents are aware of the need to ask about exposure to ETS at every visit than those who do not see such patients (52% v 46%, p<. 05). A majority of pediatricians (72%) record exposure to ETS on all patients' charts; however, responses vary by practice setting and presence of adolescent patients with asthma. Pediatricians believe cigarette smoke has a greater impact on their patients' health than other environmental hazards: on a 5-point scale where 1=greatest effect, the mean score for effect on health was 1.4, the highest score among 11 listed environmental hazards. Most pediatricians are aware of the effects of tobacco smoke on patients' health, and routinely inquire about and document patients' exposure to ETS. However, behavior varies based on practice area and setting, as well as exposure to adolescent patients with asthma.
Learning Objectives: Describe pediatricians' practices regarding inquiry into exposure to ETS among adolescent patients with asthma and documentation of exposure to ETS among all patients, and identify pediatricians' environmental health priorities
Keywords: Pediatrics, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.