Secondhand Smoke Cohort Study

Secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen and can result in multiple respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and plays a dominant cause in triggering an asthma attack. Individuals suffering from asthma and are exposed to SHS for prolong periods will experience a decline in lung functioning. SHS is as toxic towards non-smokers because they breathe in the harmful toxic chemicals and nicotine air pollutants that smokers emit. Thus, smoking or exposure to SHS among asthmatics makes them more susceptible towards morbidity and disease severity. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the impact of second hand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure and its effects of inducing asthma …show more content…
To overcome these challenges researchers are cognizant of potential bias. Potential sources of bias can result in the selection of participants. In particular to this study, the outcome and exposure status can be effected by loss to follow up. Considering this is a lengthy study with numerous participants involved, participants may withdrawal from the study or move away. This form of selection bias results in negative outcomes for this study. It can lead to incomplete study results and inadequate measurements for the outcome of the trial. Additionally in some cases, it may even result in increasing the duration of this study period. Consequently, resulting in the need for additional funding. Failure to keep intact with all participants until the end of the study can result in loss of follow bias. Ensuring participants are engaged in the study and passionate about the study results will help in the continuation of study participation. Furthermore, tracing methods can be adopted to tack participants who may have moved. Using these tactics to avert selection bias will result in quality worthy study outcomes. Moreover, another source of bias lies within the measurement of this prospective cohort study. For an example, observer bias can occur in this particular study if the researcher unconsciously influences participant’s response. Since this study includes follow up periods as well as interviews with the subjects, observer bias can result if the researcher tries to ask clarifying questions to link the development of asthma with SHS exposure. Thus, the researcher may potentially link the exposure to the health outcome unconsciously or consciously because they are aware of the study goals. To avoid this form of bias, testing the reliability of the interviewer’s data will help ensure stronger successful study results. Additionally, conducting quality assurance activities with interviews will