Browsing by Author "Coloff, Kelly Ann"

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Caregiver perceptions of children's risks associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2008) Coloff, Kelly Ann; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Wade G. Hill
The detrimental health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are well researched and documented. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure has especially toxic effects on the respiratory health of young children. Children exposed to larger doses and for longer periods of time may suffer more severe consequences. Despite this compelling scientific data, evidence suggests that adults do not accurately recognize the risks of environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Therefore, children continue to be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke in their home environments. Through clean air legislation in all 50 states, environmental tobacco smoke exposure is partially regulated in public places. This does not, however, protect children from threats of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in private residences. The purpose of this study was to describe how caregivers of rural-dwelling children perceive the children's risks associated with environmental tobacco smoke. Two aspects of the Health Belief Model, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, were utilized in evaluating caregiver risk perceptions related to environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Data were selected from survey results gathered through the Environmental Risk Reduction through Nursing Intervention and Evaluation (ERRNIE) project. Survey results for rural, low-income caregivers (n = 31) residing in Gallatin County, Montana were included in this analysis.