It has been estimated that up to 20% of the UK housing stock is significantly affected by dampness and associated with mould growth. The effects on the health of the occupants of affected homes are well documented. The recent imposition of VAT at 17.5% on domestic fuel is generally regarded as likely to worsen the problem. However, this deteriorating situation puts me in mind of a recent study tour to Canada where the problem of dampness in housing is being tackled very differently to the United Kingdom. Are there any lessons to be learnt?
Many children continue to be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) each day. To describe the factors associated with providing a smoke-free home (PSFH) and vehicle (PSFV) for kindergarten children, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Manitoba, Canada, with 551 mothers and primary caregivers responding. A social-ecologic model of health behavior guided the study. In the bivariate analysis, being better educated, living with a partner, and having a higher income were associated with PSFH. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variables most predictive for PSFH were living with a partner and the mother's self-efficacy, and for PSFV, the most predictive variables were the mother's self-efficacy and ETS knowledge. Smoking behaviors are complex and must be considered broadly within all levels of influence if nurses are to assist parents in protecting their children.
