Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Temperament among U.S. Children 0-5 Years Old.

Objectives: This study examined the association between tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and temperament among children 0-5 years old overall and within age groups: 0-2 and 3-5 years.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2017-2018 NSCH (N = 14,345). TSE status was defined as whether children lived with a smoker who: does not smoke inside the home (no home TSE) or smokes inside the home (home TSE). We conducted logistic regression analyses while controlling for covariates.

Results: Overall, 12.5% of children lived with a smoker with no home TSE and 1.1% had home TSE. Children with home TSE were at increased odds to not always: be affectionate and tender (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.18-2.58), show interest and curiosity (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.23-2.68), and smile and laugh (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.13-2.77) than those with no TSE. Among 0- to 2-year-olds, those with home TSE were more likely to not always be affectionate and tender (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04-3.74). Among 3- to 5-year-olds, those who lived with a smoker with no home TSE were more likely to not always: bounce back quickly (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05-1.40) and smile and laugh (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03-1.54), and those with home TSE were more likely to not always: show interest and curiosity (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.40-3.59) and smile and laugh (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.43-4.11).

Conclusions: Tobacco smoke-exposed children were at increased odds of not always demonstrating positive early childhood temperament behaviors, with 3- to 5-year-olds having more pronounced odds.