IMPACT OF PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM TOBACCO SMOKE EXPOSURE AND OBESITY ON CHILDHOOD ASTHMA RISKS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PEDIATRIC HEALTH AND SPORTS PARTICIPATION

Abstract

Asthma is a prevalent chronic condition among children, posing significant barriers to participation in sports and physical activities. The global asthma readmission rate stands at approximately 10%, emphasizing the need for better prevention strategies. Previous research indicates that obesity and early exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) may elevate asthma risk, though findings have been inconsistent. This study examines the independent and combined effects of prenatal and postpartum SHS exposure and obesity on childhood asthma risk, aiming to identify preventive measures that can enhance children’s health and sports participation. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the individual and interactive impacts of SHS exposure and obesity on asthma risk. Additionally, a restricted cubic spline model assessed the dose-response relationship between continuous variables such as BMI and birth weight with asthma occurrence. Results showed that increased BMI and SHS exposure (prenatal and postnatal) were positively correlated with a higher risk of asthma (BMI: OR=1.05, 95% CI=1.04-1.06; prenatal SHS exposure: OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.10-1.79; postnatal SHS exposure: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.10-1.53). Conversely, higher birth weight was associated with reduced asthma risk, though its protective effect diminished in children with a BMI of ≥19.3 kg/m². BMI levels above 15.97 kg/m² were strongly linked to increased asthma risk. The findings suggest that while higher birth weight may offer some protection against asthma, this effect is counteracted by elevated BMI and SHS exposure. Public health strategies should focus on reducing obesity and minimizing SHS exposure to mitigate childhood asthma risks. These efforts could facilitate greater sports participation and improved physical performance among children, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric health in sports science and public health policy.