Addressing intergenerational inequity in tobacco-harm: What helps children of smokers to remain non-smokers?

Even in countries like NZ with relatively low adult smoking rates, children's exposure to caregiver smoking may be prevalent, particularly in structurally disadvantaged populations. This study suggests that action to promote smokefree homes and cars, build high self-esteem in young people, and communicate expectations of non-smoking are likely to help children of people who smoke to remain non-smokers. A comprehensive approach that also addresses 'upstream' factors (e.g. socioeconomic deprivation) and underlying causes of structural inequity (e.g. institutional racism) is needed. Such policy and community action may help to break intergenerational cycles of tobacco use and health inequity.