Parental Smoking and E-cigarette Use in Homes and Cars.

Abstract

To determine how smoke-free and vape-free home and car policies differ for parents who are dual users of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), who only smoke cigarettes, or who only use e-cigarettes. To identify factors associated with not having smoke-free or vape-free policies and how often smoke-free advice is offered at pediatric offices. Secondary analysis of 2017 parental interview data collected after their children's visit in 5 control practices participating in the Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure trial. Most dual users had smoke-free home policies, yet fewer had a vape-free home policies (63.8% vs 26.3%; <i>P</i> < .01). Dual users were less likely than cigarette users to have smoke-free car (<i>P</i> < .01), vape-free home (<i>P</i> < .001), or vape-free car (<i>P</i> < .001) policies. Inside cars, dual users were more likely than cigarette users to report smoking (<i>P</i> < .001), e-cigarette use (<i>P</i> < .001), and e-cigarette use with children present (<i>P</i> < .001). Parental characteristics associated with not having smoke-free or vape-free home and car policies include smoking ≥10 cigarettes per day, using e-cigarettes, and having a youngest child >10 years old. Smoke-free home and car advice was infrequently delivered. Parents may perceive e-cigarette aerosol as safe for children. Dual users more often had smoke-free policies than vape-free policies for the home. Dual users were less likely than cigarette-only smokers to report various child-protective measures inside homes and cars. These findings reveal important opportunities for intervention with parents about smoking and vaping in homes and cars.