Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Neuromotor Function in Rural Children

Samrat Yeramaneni, Kim N. Dietrich, Kimberly Yolton, Patrick J. Parsons, Kenneth M. Aldous, Erin N. Haynes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure and neuromotor function in children. Study design We studied 404 children aged 7-9 years who were exposed to SHS and other environmental neurotoxicants. Parents reported smoking habits, and serum cotinine levels were measured in children to determine SHS exposure. The Halstead-Reitan Finger Oscillation Test, Purdue Grooved Pegboard Test-Kiddie version, and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2-Short Form were used to assess neuromotor function. Multivariable regression models that accounted for potential confounders were used to evaluate the associations. Results Approximately 50% of the children were exposed to SHS based on serum cotinine measures. Exposure to SHS was significantly associated with motor impairment in children, including diminished visuomotor coordination (P =.01), fine motor integration (P =.01), balance (P =.02), and strength (P =.04) after adjusting for exposures to lead and manganese, age, sex, body mass index, measures of parental cognitive abilities, parental education, and quality of home environment. Conclusion SHS is a neurotoxicant that may be associated with impaired childhood neuromotor function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)253-259.e1
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume167
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier Inc.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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