Date of Conferral

3-7-2024

Date of Award

March 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Diana Naser

Abstract

Third hand smoke (THS) is gaining significant interest in the environmental and public health fields as a new but dangerous phenomenon. THS is identified as a form of passive smoke consisting of residual nicotine and chemicals that settle on surfaces. THS is reported to be genotoxic in human cells, yet the public has limited or no knowledge of this new concept. The purpose of this qualitative, interpretive, descriptive study was to discover and describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs regarding THS among individuals in an eastern U.S. state. Social cognitive theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. In-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with 10 participants, comprised of smokers and nonsmokers, via video conferences that were recorded and interpreted/transcribed using Quirkos. Data were thematically analyzed, resulting in the following main themes: an overall lack of knowledge and beliefs about THS, nonchalant attitudes towards THS, and perceived dangers to human health with no existing practices to protect individuals even though possible modes of prevention are available. Participants stated that the lack of awareness was a foundational issue and that if this issue were addressed through education, their beliefs and attitudes would change. Positive social change could result from the findings of this study if used by policymakers, health practitioners, and community leaders to design THS-specific educational programs to increase the level of THS awareness and its danger to human health. State-funded campaigns to generate resources towards initiatives and new policies that promote smoke bans in homes and public places should be prioritized to promote social change.

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