This is sick, it really is, even as a parent some people have no consideration for their children, it’s sad…

Eighty-six per cent of fathers who smoke continue to do so at home even when their child has been in hospital, a study has found.

Just over half smoked in front of their child, the University of Hong Kong research discovered.

Most women knew their husband’s habits should alter, but family tensions stopped them pressing for change, the Journal of Advanced Nursing reported.

Forest, the smokers’ rights group, said bans would increase smoking at home.

Many of the mothers found it difficult to persuade their husbands to quit smoking
Dr Sophia Chan, University of Hong Kong.

Researchers surveyed the mothers of 1,483 children, with an average age of five, admitted to four major hospitals in Hong Kong.

None of the mothers, who were mainly housewives, smoked, but all of the children’s fathers, who worked in factories, crafts, services and shops, did.

Half of the children suffered from respiratory problems - putting them at high-risk from passive smoking - and 60% of the children had been admitted to hospital more than once.

The researchers offered half of the mothers health advice, booklets and no-smoking stickers and weekly telephone reminders.

The other mothers received no advice or reminders.

Source: BBC