Authors Nursakinahsharifah Abdul Halim Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Mazapuspavina Md Yasin Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Hayatul Najaa Miptah Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Nurhuda Ismail Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia DOI: https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v24i04.2783 Keywords: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), self-efficacy, attitude, avoidance practice, mother of young children Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) poses significant health risks globally, particularly for children. This study aimed to determine levels of self-efficacy, knowledge, attitude, and avoidance practices regarding ETS exposure among mothers with children under six and identify factors associated with avoidance practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the validated Malay SE-KAP-ETS questionnaire among 321 mothers. Higher scores indicated better self-efficacy, knowledge, attitude, and avoidance practices. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine associations. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 33.4(±5.57), and 67.9% had tertiary education. Mean scores were: self-efficacy 36.41(±9.7), knowledge 38.26(±3.76), attitude 48.58(±3.75), and avoidance practices 28.33(±3.27). MLR revealed that no smokers at home [B=0.700, 95%CI: 0.304, 1.462; p=0.003], higher self-efficacy [B=0.058, 95% CI: 0.028, 0.088; p<0.001], and positive attitudes [B=0.414, 95%CI: 0.336, 0.491; p<0.001] were positively associated with avoidance practices. Conversely, primary and secondary education [B=-0.750, 95% CI: -1.449, -0.051; p<0.035] and self-employment [B=-1.517, 95%CI: -2.584, -0.450; p=0.005] were negative predictors. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that although ETS knowledge is high among mothers of young children in Selangor, it does not predict avoidance practices. Instead; self-efficacy, attitude, and smoke-free homes are critical determinants, underscoring the need for empowerment-focused interventions, particularly for mothers with primary and secondary education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

How to Cite

Abdul Halim, N., Md Yasin, M., Miptah, H. N., & Ismail, N. (2025). The Avoidance Practice and Its Association with Self-Efficacy, Knowledge and Attitude among Mothers with Children under 6 Years Old on Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure to Their Children in Selangor. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 24(04). https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v24i04.2783

Issue Section

Original Articles

License

All material submitted for publication is assumed to be submitted exclusively to the IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) unless the contrary is stated. Manuscript decisions are based on a double-blinded peer review process. The Editor retains the right to determine the style and if necessary, edit and shorten any material accepted for publication.

IMJM retain copyright to all the articles published in the journal. All final ‘proof’ submissions must be accompanied by a completed Copyright Assignment Form, duly signed by all authors. The author(s) or copyright owner(s) irrevocably grant(s) to any third party, in advance and in perpetuity, the right to use, reproduce or disseminate the research article in its entirety or in part, in any format or medium, provided that no substantive errors are introduced in the process, proper attribution of authorship and correct citation details are given, and that the bibliographic details are not changed. If the article is reproduced or disseminated in part, this must be clearly and unequivocally indicated.