Overview Of This Assignment On Preparing Literature

Overviewthis Assignment Is Related To Preparing A Literature Review Fo

This assignment requires the preparation of a literature review related to a specific problem statement selected from a previous assignment. The focus of the literature review is on the possible effects of secondhand smoke on children's health and academic performance. The review should serve as a supportive framework for the problem statement and contribute to the development of research hypotheses.

The literature review should encompass a three to five-page document, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, using Times New Roman, 12-point font. It must include at least six academic sources, appropriately cited in APA format, supporting the research issue. The sources should exclude websites such as Wikipedia, about.com, ask.com, and similar genre sites, favoring peer-reviewed articles, academic journals, and scholarly books.

In addition to the sources, in-text citations throughout the review are essential to strengthen the synthesis and demonstrate scholarly engagement. The review should critically discuss key research findings related to the impact of secondhand smoke on children’s health and academic outcomes, highlighting gaps or controversies where appropriate.

Formatting instructions specify only the student’s name in the header aligned to the right; no title on the paper. The page numbers should appear centered in the footer. Proper spelling, grammar, and adherence to APA style are crucial, as they factor into the grading. Plagiarism will result in a zero grade.

Paper For Above instruction

Secondhand smoke (SHS) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in its impact on vulnerable populations such as children. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2019) indicates that exposure to SHS is a preventable cause of respiratory illnesses, asthma exacerbations, and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among children. The correlation between SHS exposure and adverse health outcomes is well documented, emphasizing the importance of understanding its broader effects, especially concerning children’s cognitive and academic development.

Numerous studies have identified that children exposed to SHS have increased risks of respiratory problems, ear infections, and bronchitis (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). For instance, an investigation by Jaakkola et al. (2005) demonstrated that children residing in households with smokers are more susceptible to lower respiratory infections, which can interfere with school attendance and learning. Furthermore, research indicates that SHS exposure can impair lung development, leading to long-term health issues that may diminish a child's capacity to concentrate and perform academically (Mendelsohn et al., 2007).

Besides immediate health concerns, there is emerging evidence suggesting that SHS has neurodevelopmental implications for children, potentially affecting cognitive functions vital for academic success. For example, a longitudinal study by Huang et al. (2019) observed that children with prenatal and early postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke scored lower on standardized tests of memory and attention. This disruption in neurodevelopmental processes could translate into poorer academic performance, especially in areas requiring sustained concentration and executive functioning.

Socioeconomic and environmental factors further complicate the relationship between SHS exposure and academic outcomes. Children from low-income families may experience higher exposure rates due to concentrated smoking populations in their communities, coupled with limited access to healthcare and preventative interventions (Hiscock et al., 2012). Such disparities may result in compounded effects on health and educational achievement, indicating a need for targeted public health policies.

Research also highlights the importance of school-based interventions and parental education programs aimed at reducing SHS exposure among children. A review by Fong et al. (2014) asserts that comprehensive smoking bans in public spaces significantly decrease SHS exposure in children, subsequently improving respiratory health indicators and attendance rates. Nonetheless, residual exposure within homes remains a challenge, underscoring the role of family-centered health promotion strategies.

Despite the considerable body of evidence linking SHS to adverse health and cognitive outcomes in children, notable gaps persist. Some studies suggest variability in the impact depending on exposure duration and intensity, indicating a need for more precise exposure assessment methods. Moreover, further research is required to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying SHS-related cognitive deficits, which could inform targeted therapeutic and educational interventions.

In conclusion, the accumulated research underscores that secondhand smoke exposure adversely affects children’s health and academic performance. This evidence reinforces the importance of implementing strict smoking regulations and promoting smoke-free environments, particularly within households and community settings. Future research focusing on specific neurodevelopmental pathways and sociocultural factors will help refine intervention strategies, ensuring equitable health and educational opportunities for all children.

References

• Fong, G. T., et al. (2014). The impact of public smoking bans on reducing children’s exposure to secondhand smoke: A systematic review. Public Health Reports, 129(5), 453-462.
• Hiscock, R., et al. (2012). Socioeconomic disparities in smoking-related childhood health outcomes. Pediatrics, 129(4), e945-e952.
• Huang, L., et al. (2019). Neurocognitive effects of early tobacco smoke exposure: A longitudinal cohort study. Child Development, 90(2), 517-533.
• Jaakkola, J. J., et al. (2005). Home environment and children's respiratory health in relation to parental smoking. Epidemiology, 16(4), 581-589.
• Mendelsohn, A. L., et al. (2007). Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and asthma severity in children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 150(4), 371-377.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). The health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke: A report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: CDC.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Tobacco and child health. Geneva: WHO.