Perceptions of parents of under-5-year-old children with pneumonia on the effects of tobacco smoke: A phenomenology study in Manggarai, Eastern Indonesia

Background: In Eastern Indonesia, the incidence of pneumonia in under-5-year-old children is mostly predicted by environmental factors, such as exposure to household smoke and tobacco smoke. Sociocultural ideas shape the perception of parents on the effect of tobacco smoke thus influence their behaviour on reducing the smoke exposure on their child. The present study aimed to explore the perceptions of parents of under-5-year-old children with pneumonia about the effects of exposure to tobacco smoke. Design and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach. The study participants were 11 parents of under-5-year-old children with pneumonia in Manggarai, Eastern Indonesia. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and then analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Results: The themes identified in the present study were i) “I know the risk of smoke, I can’t help it” various perceptions on tobacco smoke effect; ii) tobacco causes shortness of breath on under-5-year-old children; and iii) tobacco smoke taking tolls on family’s health and economy. Conclusions: The findings revealed that parent view tobacco smoke endanger children’s health and hamper the socio-economic well-being of the family. It is necessary to improve parent’s awareness about the effects of tobacco smoke through effective nursing communication that suits the family’s needs and conditions.