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Makgalemane MR, Patrick S, Shirinde J. Respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution amongst children aged six years and below in Melusi Informal Settlement, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2038. [PMID: 39080586 PMCID: PMC11290171 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution in children are a major public health concern, as their immune systems and lungs are not yet fully developed. This study aimed to assess self-reported respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution sources amongst children aged six years and below in Melusi informal settlement, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. METHODS With a quantitative cross-sectional study design, parents/caregivers of children aged six years and below (n = 300) from eight Early Childhood Development Centres were invited to participate in the study. This study employed complete sampling, and data was collected using the modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children. The chi-square and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze data, with p < 0.05 in the adjusted odds ratios considered as being statistically significant. RESULTS Three models were run to examine the predictors of wheezing in the past 12 months, dry cough, and itchy-watery eyes. The model for asthma was excluded, as only seven participants reported having asthma. Wheeze in the past 12 months was associated with participants living in the area for more than three years (OR 2.96 95%CI: 1.011-8.674). Furthermore, having a dog in the house in the past 12 months was associated with wheeze in the past 12 months (OR 5.98 95%CI: 2.107-16.967). There was an association between duration of stay in a residence and dry cough prevalence (OR 5.63 95%CI: 2.175-14.584). Trucks always or frequently passing near homes was associated with itchy-watery eyes (OR 3.27 95%CI: 1.358-7.889). 59% (59%) of participants perceived the indoor air quality in their homes to be good, while 6% perceived it as poor. In contrast, 36% of participants perceived the outdoor air quality to be good, and 19.7% perceived it as poor. CONCLUSION The association between perceived air pollution exposure, self-reported respiratory conditions, and health symptoms amongst children is complex. Further research is required to better understand the multifaceted nature of air pollution and its impact on the health of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moipoti Ruth Makgalemane
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, 31 Bophelo Road, Gezina, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Sean Patrick
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, 31 Bophelo Road, Gezina, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joyce Shirinde
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, 31 Bophelo Road, Gezina, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa
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Bice C, Anderson AA, Abrams KM, Long M. Breathing on the job: investigating predictors of air quality protective actions and information seeking among outdoor workers. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024; 17:214-222. [PMID: 38380671 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2024.2320478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air quality issues, exacerbated by wildfire smoke and excessive ozone that is worsened by climate change, pose significant health risks to outdoor workers, who are often overlooked in regulatory protection and communication efforts. This study examined how outdoor worker demographics, risk perceptions, and efficacy beliefs predict air quality protective actions and information seeking. Additionally, it investigates the sources of information that this population relies on for understanding air quality. METHOD A survey was conducted with 256 outdoor workers in Colorado, a state regularly affected by wildfire smoke and ozone. Measures included demographics, perceived risk, efficacy beliefs, air quality actions, and information seeking behavior. RESULTS Both perceived risk and efficacy beliefs influenced health-protective actions during poor air quality events. Interestingly, efficacy beliefs were found to be a more reliable predictor of air quality information seeking than perceived risk. The top sources of air quality information among outdoor workers were local news media, The Weather Channel, mobile apps, state public health authorities, and the National Weather Service. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhance our understanding of how perceived risk and efficacy beliefs promote health-protective behaviors among outdoor workers. They lay the groundwork for future research and initiatives to improve air quality communication and promote health-protective actions for this population group. Promoting the efficacy of health-protective actions and seeking information are important components of air quality communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channing Bice
- Department of Journalism and Media Communication, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Ashley A Anderson
- Department of Journalism and Media Communication, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Katie M Abrams
- Department of Journalism and Media Communication, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Marilee Long
- Department of Journalism and Media Communication, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Slavik CE, Chapman DA, Smith H, Coughlan M, Peters E. Motivating parents to protect their children from wildfire smoke: the impact of air quality index infographics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 6:075001. [PMID: 38974835 PMCID: PMC11223187 DOI: 10.1088/2515-7620/ad5931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Background. Wildfire smoke events are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Children are especially vulnerable to health effects even at moderate smoke levels. However, it is unclear how parents respond to Air Quality Indices (AQIs) frequently used by agencies to communicate air pollution health risks. Methods. In an experiment (3 × 2 × 2 factorial design), 2,100 parents were randomly assigned to view one of twelve adapted AQI infographics that varied by visual (table, line, gauge), index type (AQI [0-500], AQHI [1-11+]), and risk level (moderate, high). Participants were told to imagine encountering the infographic in a short-term exposure scenario. They reported worry about wildfire smoke, intentions to take risk-mitigating actions (e.g., air purifier use), and support for various exposure reduction policies. Subsequently, participants were told to imagine encountering the same infographic daily during a school week in a long-term exposure scenario and again reported worry, action intentions, and policy support. Results. Parents' responses significantly differentiated between risk levels that both pose a threat to children's health; worry and action intentions were much higher in the high-risk group than the moderate-risk group in both short-exposure (F = 748.68 p<.001; F = 411.59, p<.001) and long-exposure scenarios (F = 470.51, p<.001; F = 212.01, p<.001). However, in the short-exposure scenario, when shown the AQHI [1-11+] with either the line or gauge visuals, parents' action intentions were more similar between moderate- and high-risk level groups (3-way interaction, F = 6.03, p = .002). Conclusions. These results suggest some index formats such as the AQHI-rather than the AQI-may better attune parents to moderate levels of wildfire smoke being dangerous to children's health. Our research offers insights for agencies and officials seeking to improve current public education efforts during wildfire smoke events and speaks to the critical need to educate parents and help them act short-term and long-term to protect children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Slavik
- Center for Science Communication Research, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, United States of America
| | - Daniel A Chapman
- Center for Science Communication Research, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hollie Smith
- Center for Science Communication Research, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael Coughlan
- Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments, University of Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ellen Peters
- Center for Science Communication Research, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, United States of America
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Marín D, Calle N, Arango V, Betancur P, Pérez M, Orozco LY, Marín-Ochoa B, Ceballos JC, López L, Rueda ZV. Knowledge, attitudes and practices about air pollution and its health effects in 6th to 11th-grade students in Colombia: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1390780. [PMID: 38962783 PMCID: PMC11221384 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, air pollution is the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death. Raising awareness through environmental education and adequate communication on air quality could reduce the adverse effects. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding air pollution and health and determine the factors associated with these KAP in children and adolescents. Methods In 2019-2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 6th-11th grade high school students in five municipalities in Colombia. Variables collected included: age, sex, private or public school, any medical history, emergency room visits due to respiratory symptoms in the last year, and whether students played sports. The main exposure was the School Environmental Project. The outcomes were the KAP scale [0% (the lowest score) to 100% (the highest score)]. The factors associated with KAP levels were evaluated with independent mixed regressions due to the multilevel structure of the study (level 1: student; level 2: school), and the exponential coefficients (95% confidence interval-CI) were reported. Results Among 1,676 students included, 53.8% were females. The median knowledge score about air pollution and its health effects was 33.8% (IQR: 24.0-44.9), 38.6% knew the air quality index, 30.9% knew the air quality alerts that occurred twice a year in these municipalities and 5.3% had high self-perceived knowledge. Positive attitudes, pro-environmental practices, being female, grade level, attending a private school, having respiratory diseases, and the school environmental project importance were associated with higher knowledge scores. The median attitudes score was 78.6% (IQR: 71.4-92.9). Pro-environmental attitudes were associated with knowledge-increasing, being female, attending a private school, and the school environmental project. The median pro-environmental practices score was 28.6% (IQR: 28.6-42.9). During air quality alerts, 11.6% had worn masks, 19% had reduced the opening time of windows and 15.9% avoided leaving home. Pro-environmental practices were associated with knowledge-increasing and attitudes-increasing, and lower practices with higher grade levels, visiting a doctor in the last year, and practicing sports. Discussion Children and adolescents have low knowledge scores and inadequate pro-environmental practices scores regarding air pollution. However, they demonstrate positive attitudes towards alternative solutions and express important concerns about the planet's future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Marín
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Calle
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Valentina Arango
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Paulina Betancur
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Manuela Pérez
- Faculty of Social Communication and Journalism, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luz Yaneth Orozco
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Beatriz Marín-Ochoa
- Faculty of Social Communication and Journalism, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Ceballos
- Faculty of Social Communication and Journalism, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lucelly López
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Zulma Vanessa Rueda
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Basch CH, Yousaf H, Fera J, Basch CE. YouTube as a Source of Information on Air Pollution: Significance for Community Health. J Community Health 2024:10.1007/s10900-024-01360-7. [PMID: 38676829 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution is a pervasive global public health threat. The purpose of this study was to assess the content of 100 widely viewed English language YouTube videos on air pollution using the search term 'air pollution.' Content categories were created using comprehensive fact sheets and were coded as being present or not in each video. Cumulatively, the 100 videos sampled received 32,826,294 views and 303,692 likes, with averages of 328,263 and 3,068 respectively. The majority of videos (n = 72) were created by broadcast or internet-based news, 12 of the videos were created by professionals, 7 were created by a consumer and 9 were created by others. Three kinds of content were featured in a majority (> 50%) of the videos: "sources of pollution," "environmental impacts," and "solutions offered" and the videos covering each of these topics collectively garnered more than 26 million views and 249,000 likes. Independent one-tailed t-tests (α = 0.05) showed an association between covering sources of pollution and the number of views and likes. For both, videos featuring this content had a higher average number of views (467,391.08 vs. 80,924.03, p = .0383) and likes (4,450.78 vs. 647.03, p = .0383). Additionally, videos showing environmental impacts received more views than those that did not (547,901.49 vs. 80,585.43, p = .0373). This research can serve as a starting point to describe information being conveyed about an important global public health problem. Future research is needed to improve understanding about ways to utilize YouTube and other social media for public health education and advocacy to increase consumers' awareness and facilitate the informed decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey H Basch
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA.
| | - Helen Yousaf
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA
| | - Joseph Fera
- Department of Mathematics, Lehman College, The City University of New York , 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Charles E Basch
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W 120th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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Vallée A, Ceccaldi PF, Carbonnel M, Feki A, Ayoubi JM. Pollution and endometriosis: A deep dive into the environmental impacts on women's health. BJOG 2024; 131:401-414. [PMID: 37814514 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction between pollution and endometriosis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The impact of pollution, particularly air and water pollution, or occupational hazards, on hormonal disruption and the initiation of endometriosis remains a major issue. OBJECTIVES This narrative review aims to delve into the intricate connection between pollution and endometriosis, shedding light on how environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of this disease and, thus, the possible public health policy implications. DISCUSSION Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pollutants dysregulate the hormonal balance, contributing to the progression of this major gynaecological disorder. Air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PAHs, has been associated with an increased risk of endometriosis by enhancing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Chemical contaminants in water and work exposures, including heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, disrupt the hormonal regulation and potentially contribute to endometriosis. Mitigating the environmental impact of pollution is required to safeguard women's reproductive health. This requires a comprehensive approach involving stringent environmental regulations, sustainable practices, responsible waste management, research and innovation, public awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders. CONCLUSION Public health policies have a major role in addressing the interaction between pollution and endometriosis in a long-term commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Pierre-François Ceccaldi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Versailles, France
| | - Marie Carbonnel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Versailles, France
| | - Anis Feki
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Versailles, France
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Sprague Martinez L, Ginzburg SL, Ron S, Brinkerhoff CA, Haque S, England SA, Khimani K, Zamore W, Reisner E, Lowe L, Brugge D. Communities catalyzing change with data to mitigate an invisible menace, traffic-related air pollution. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:411. [PMID: 38331744 PMCID: PMC10854106 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17864-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify strategies and tactics communities use to translate research into environmental health action. METHODS We employed a qualitative case study design to explore public health action conducted by residents, organizers, and public health planners in two Massachusetts communities as part of a community based participatory (CBPR) research study. Data sources included key informant interviews (n = 24), reports and direct observation of research and community meetings (n = 10) and project meeting minutes from 2016-2021. Data were coded deductively drawing on the community organizing and implementation frameworks. RESULTS In Boston Chinatown, partners drew broad participation from community-based organizations, residents, and municipal leaders, which resulted in air pollution mitigation efforts being embedded in the master planning process. In Somerville, partners focused on change at multiple levels, developer behavior, and separate from the funded research, local legislative efforts, and litigation. CONCLUSIONS CBPR affords communities the ability to environmental health efforts in a way that is locally meaningful, leveraging their respective strengths. External facilitation can support the continuity and sustainment of community led CBPR efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sprague Martinez
- School of Social Work, Macro Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Health Disparities Institute, 241 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA.
| | - Shir Lerman Ginzburg
- Department of Public Health, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sharon Ron
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Samiya Haque
- School of Social Work, Macro Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kynza Khimani
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Wig Zamore
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA, USA
| | - Ellin Reisner
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA, USA
| | - Lydia Lowe
- Chinatown Community Land Trust, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Doug Brugge
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
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Jheng YL, Van de Cruys S, Catrysse L, Vandebosch H, Gijbels D, Poels K. The Facts or the Story? It Takes Both to Sensitize People About Unknown Health Hazards. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:107-118. [PMID: 38083857 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2290549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Communicating about new or unknown health risks is challenging because it requires audiences to engage with and process novel and often complex health information. This study examines how texts can convey awareness and increase knowledge about health risks people are unaware of. The focus is on how text genre (narrative, expository, and mixed-genre) affects relevant emotional (arousal, transportation) and cognitive outcomes (knowledge and risk severity), measured using both online (electrodermal activity) and offline self-report measures. Mixed-effects model analyses revealed that narrative texts exhibit the highest self-reported arousal, transportation, and risk severity. Additionally, transportation mediates the relationship between text genre and risk severity. Ultimately, mixed-genre texts produced significantly higher arousal peaks and confidence ratings on knowledge posttests compared to expository texts. Taken together, the findings suggest that narrative texts perform better at raising awareness, whereas mixed-genre texts seem more effective in learning. The implications for health risk communication are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lun Jheng
- Department of Training and Education Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Leen Catrysse
- Department of Online Learning and Instruction, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open Universiteit, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Vandebosch
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David Gijbels
- Department of Training and Education Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Social Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karolien Poels
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Social Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Kitro A, Panumasvivat J, Pisutsan P, Matsee W. Air pollution crisis in Southeast Asia and its impact on international travellers. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taad077. [PMID: 37279955 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution levels in Southeast Asia have increased, affecting the health of tourists. While short-term effects are reversible, prolonged exposure poses significant risks, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions. Effective communication and awareness are crucial to minimize harm, and urgent action is needed for traveller well-being and global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Jinjuta Panumasvivat
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Unit, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Phimphan Pisutsan
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Travel Medicine Research Unit, Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wasin Matsee
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Travel Medicine Research Unit, Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Saucier CJ, Ma Z, Montoya JA, Plant A, Suresh S, Robbins CL, Fraser R. Overcoming Health Information Inequities: Valley fever Information Repertoires Among Vulnerable Communities in California. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38177098 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2288380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Although Valley fever represents a growing public health challenge for Central and Southern Californian residents, awareness remains severely limited. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) ran a cross-platform campaign to mitigate this awareness gap and impact prevention behavior. This study evaluates exposure to the CDPH campaign, followed by an examination of the information consumption patterns associated with key health outcomes. Results suggest that the CDPH campaign successfully improved knowledge accuracy, reduced misperceptions, and increased the likelihood of prevention behavior. Using an information repertoire lens revealed a more nuanced account. Most information repertoires positively influenced accurate knowledge retention and prevention behavior compared to those who were not exposed. The most diverse information repertoire, including interpersonal and media channels, was associated with increased knowledge accuracy, affective risk concerns, personal susceptibility, and prevention behavior. However, exposure to this repertoire was also associated with greater misperceptions. In addition, medical professional and radio-based repertoires positively influenced personal susceptibility perceptions. Overall, this research illustrates the importance of examining not only the general outcomes of health campaigns but also the patterns of information acquisition - particularly when working with underserved communities whose health information consumption preferences may not be comprehensively reflected in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zexin Ma
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut
| | | | | | - Sapna Suresh
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
| | - Chris L Robbins
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
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11
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Pfleger E, Lutz R, Drexler H. [Environmental risks and health literacy: a systematic review]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:85-98. [PMID: 37823907 PMCID: PMC10776732 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03782-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental factors can play an important role in pathogenesis. However, the understanding of the relationship between environmental risks and health in the general population appears to be poor. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the state of research on the relationship between health literacy (HL) or environmental health literacy (EHL) and environmental risks differentiated by the researched environmental risks, the affected population, the measurement and level of HL or EHL, and their interaction with other variables. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using the Pubmed, Scopus, and LIVIVO databases. Original studies in German or English that investigated HL or EHL in the context of an environmental risk or pollutant in a population were included. The Navigation Guide was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The operationalization of HL or EHL was heterogeneous in 22 studies. Nine studies referred to environmental issues in general, and 15 studies analyzed individual environmental risks. Eleven studies referred to the general population, 12 to specified target groups, and 1 study examined both. The level of HL or EHL proved to be in need of improvement in all populations. Interventions such as trainings were able to increase HL or EHL. DISCUSSION The heterogeneous operationalizations impede the comparability of the studies. Future work should target the standardization of methodological aspects. Overall, it appears that interventions such as trainings were conducive to improving HL or EHL. In practice, this should therefore be given greater focus in order to increase HL or EHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Pfleger
- Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 9-11, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
| | - Regina Lutz
- FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Hans Drexler
- Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 9-11, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
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12
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Tan T, Junghans C, Varaden D. Empowering community health professionals for effective air pollution information communication. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2547. [PMID: 38124041 PMCID: PMC10734129 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution remains a significant public health risk, particularly in urban areas. Effective communication strategies remain integral to overall protection by encouraging the adoption of personal air pollution exposure reduction behaviours. This study aims to explore how community health professionals can be empowered to communicate air pollution information and advice to the wider community, to encourage the uptake of desired behaviours in the population. METHODS The study adopted a qualitative methodology, where four homogenous Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with a range of community health professionals, including Health Care Professionals, Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHWWs) and Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW). A classical content analysis was conducted with the Structural Empowerment Theory (SET) and Psychological Empowerment Theory (PET) as guiding concepts. RESULTS Five key themes were identified: from a structural empowerment perspective: [1] resources and support, [2] knowledge. From a psychological empowerment perspective: [3] confidence as advisor, [4] responsibility as advisor, and [5] residents' receptiveness to advice. It was concluded that advice should be risk stratified, clear, easy to follow and provide alternatives. CONCLUSION This study identified ways for community health professionals to be empowered by local councils or other organisations in providing advice on air pollution, through the provision of essential structural support and opportunities to enhance their knowledge and confidence in the subject. Implementing recommendations from this study would not only empower community health professionals to advise on air pollution to the wider community but also increase adherence to health advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia Tan
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Cornelia Junghans
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Varaden
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- NIHR-HPRU Environmental Exposures and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Ravindiran G, Rajamanickam S, Kanagarathinam K, Hayder G, Janardhan G, Arunkumar P, Arunachalam S, AlObaid AA, Warad I, Muniasamy SK. Impact of air pollutants on climate change and prediction of air quality index using machine learning models. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117354. [PMID: 37821071 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The impact of air pollution in Chennai metropolitan city, a southern Indian coastal city was examined to predict the Air Quality Index (AQI). Regular monitoring and prediction of the Air Quality Index (AQI) are critical for combating air pollution. The current study created machine learning models such as XGBoost, Random Forest, BaggingRegressor, and LGBMRegressor for the prediction of the AQI using the historical data available from 2017 to 2022. According to historical data, the AQI is highest in January, with a mean value of 104.6 g/gm, and the lowest in August, with a mean AQI value of 63.87 g/gm. Particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and meteorological parameters were used to predict AQI, and the heat map generated showed that of all the parameters, PM2.5 has the greatest impact on AQI, with a value of 0.91. The log transformation method is used to normalize datasets and determine skewness and kurtosis. The XGBoost model demonstrated strong performance, achieving an R2 (correlation coefficient) of 0.9935, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.02, a mean square error (MSE) of 0.001, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.04. In comparison, the LightGBM model's prediction was less effective, as it attained an R2 of 0.9748. According to the study, the AQI in Chennai has been increasing over the last two years, and if the same conditions persist, the city's air pollution will worsen in the future. Furthermore, accurate future air quality level predictions can be made using historical data and advanced machine learning algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokulan Ravindiran
- Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000, Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Department of Civil Engineering, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, 500090, Telangana, India.
| | - Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam
- Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (Constituent of Symbiosis International Deemed University), Bengaluru, 560 100, Karnataka, India.
| | - Karthick Kanagarathinam
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam, 532 127, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Gasim Hayder
- Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000, Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000, Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Gorti Janardhan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam, 532 127, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Priya Arunkumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, 641 407, India.
| | - Sivakumar Arunachalam
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai, India.
| | - Abeer A AlObaid
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box- 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ismail Warad
- Department of Chemistry, AN- Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine; Research Centre, Manchester Salt & Catalysis, Unit C, 88-90, Chorlton Rd, M154AN, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Senthil Kumar Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Chengalpattu, 603308, Tamilnadu, India.
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Quintyne K, Kelly C. Knowledge, attitudes, and perception of air pollution in Ireland. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2023; 6:100406. [PMID: 37456905 PMCID: PMC10344793 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Air pollution remains a major global public health challenge; and Ireland is no exception to the human health implications of exposure ambient air pollutants. Accurate and timely information can be critical to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes to poor air quality in Ireland to assist stakeholders in developing and implementing effective communication pieces and policies about the management of air pollution. Study design Cross-sectional population-based cohort. Method Quantitative data on knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) were collected from respondents living across Ireland, and the results were analysed with SPSS (Version 28.0). Results Among the 1005 respondents included in this study, the mean [SD] age was 46.1 [15.3] years; 53% were female (n = 530); and 66% and 35% of respondents were aware of air pollution and its adverse effects on health at a national and local level respectively (n = 668 and n = 353 respectively). In addition, there were significant relationships between socio-demographic and air pollution awareness. There were correlation between respondent's age, gender, socio-economic group, and locality in Ireland. Conclusion This study demonstrates that environmental health literacy around air pollution in critically lacking among respondents. Given that air pollution is an increasingly important global priority, opportunities need to create to improve reach and impact of communication of air quality health risk and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.I. Quintyne
- Health Service Executive (HSE) Public Health, Area A, Dr Steeven’s Hospital, Co Dublin, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Co Cork, Ireland
| | - C. Kelly
- Health Service Executive (HSE) Public Health, Area A, Dr Steeven’s Hospital, Co Dublin, Ireland
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Nizeyimana E, Hanyurwimfura D, Hwang J, Nsenga J, Regassa D. Prototype of Monitoring Transportation Pollution Spikes through the Internet of Things Edge Networks. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8941. [PMID: 37960640 PMCID: PMC10647557 DOI: 10.3390/s23218941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is a critical problem in densely populated urban areas, with traffic significantly contributing. To mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on public health and the environment, there is a growing need for the real-time monitoring and detection of pollution spikes in transportation. This paper presents a novel approach to using Internet of Things (IoT) edge networks for the real-time detection of air pollution peaks in transportation, specifically designed for innovative city applications. The proposed system uses IoT sensors in buses, cabs, and private cars. These sensors are equipped with air quality monitoring capabilities, including the measurement of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The sensors continuously collect air quality data and transmit them to edge devices within the transportation infrastructure. The data collected by these sensors are analyzed, and alerts are generated when pollution levels exceed predefined thresholds. By deploying this system within IoT edge networks, transportation authorities can promptly respond to pollution spikes, improving air quality, public health, and environmental sustainability. This paper details the sensor technology, data analysis methods, and the practical implementation of this innovative system, shedding light on its potential for addressing the pressing issue of transportation-related pollution. The proposed IoT edge network for real-time air pollution spike detection in transportation offers significant advantages, including low-latency data processing, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging the power of edge computing and IoT technologies, smart cities can proactively monitor and manage air pollution, leading to healthier and more sustainable urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Nizeyimana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), University of Rwanda (UR), Kigali P.O. Box 3900, Rwanda; (D.H.); (J.N.)
- Global R&D Center (GRC), Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Damien Hanyurwimfura
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), University of Rwanda (UR), Kigali P.O. Box 3900, Rwanda; (D.H.); (J.N.)
| | - Junseok Hwang
- Global R&D Center (GRC), Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jimmy Nsenga
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), University of Rwanda (UR), Kigali P.O. Box 3900, Rwanda; (D.H.); (J.N.)
| | - Dereje Regassa
- Global R&D Center (GRC), Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
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Yalçin SS, Gezgen Kesen G, Güçiz Doğan B, Yalçin S, Acar Vaizoğlu S. Mother's knowledge for environmental risks and self-awareness for the presence of pollutants in her living area in West and Central Anatolia: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1780. [PMID: 37710255 PMCID: PMC10500730 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental risk awareness is a key concept to raise awareness and plan future programs for environmental protection. A cross-sectional household survey aimed to find out the presence of environmental hazards next to living area and the mother's knowledge levels about environmental risk factors with their related factors according to district development ranking, and Western and Central Anatolian regions with sampling from rural and urban residence. METHOD The study was designed with household sampling weighted according to population density in 2008. Data on the demography and health status, dwelling characteristics of the residents are also collected in 2009. In addition, open-ended questions "What does environmental risk/hazard mean?" and "Which environmental risks/hazards are present in your environment?" were asked. The data collected from the survey were analyzed using multivariate binary logistic regression. RESULTS The sample included 3489 mothers living either in urban or rural areas. Of the mothers, 19.3% did not know what an environmental risk is and 75.7% stated that there was at least one environmental pollutant in their environment. The most commonly perceived risk factor was air pollution (23.0%), which was reported to be present in their living areas by 12.4%. Regions, residence, settlement features of the house, and health status of family members were associated with the perception of environmental risk at a statistically significant level. CONCLUSION The neighborhood conditions and health status of family associated with the mother's awareness for environmental risk factors. Communication and cooperation between local governments, health institutions, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders should be strengthened to increase risk awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sıddika Songül Yalçin
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.
| | - Gamze Gezgen Kesen
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Bahar Güçiz Doğan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Suzan Yalçin
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Türkiye
| | - Songül Acar Vaizoğlu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
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Brigham E, Hashimoto A, Alexis NE. Air Pollution and Diet: Potential Interacting Exposures in Asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023; 23:541-553. [PMID: 37440094 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-023-01101-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide a review of emerging literature describing the impact of diet on the respiratory response to air pollution in asthma. RECENT FINDINGS Asthma phenotyping (observable characteristics) and endotyping (mechanistic pathways) have increased the specificity of diagnostic and treatment pathways and opened the doors to the identification of subphenotypes with enhanced susceptibility to exposures and interventions. Mechanisms underlying the airway immune response to air pollution are still being defined but include oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of adaptive and innate immune responses, with genetic susceptibility highlighted. Of these, neutrophil recruitment and activation appear prominent; however, understanding neutrophil function in response to pollutant exposures is a research gap. Diet may play a role in asthma pathogenesis and morbidity; therefore, diet modification is a potential target opportunity to protect against pollutant-induced lung injury. In particular, in vivo and in vitro data suggest the potential for diet to modify the inflammatory response in the airways, including impacts on neutrophil recruitment and function. Murine models provide compelling results in regard to the potential for dietary components (including fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids) to buffer against the inflammatory response to air pollution in the lung. Precision lifestyle approaches to asthma management and respiratory protection in the context of air pollution exposures may evolve to include diet, pending the results of further epidemiologic and causal investigation and with neutrophil recruitment and activation as a candidate mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Brigham
- Division of Respirology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Alisa Hashimoto
- Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, BC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Neil E Alexis
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ciarloni R, Newbold KB. Air Pollution Health Literacy among Active Commuters in Hamilton, Ontario. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6282. [PMID: 37444129 PMCID: PMC10341318 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The promotion of active transportation (AT), which has been broadly defined as a physical effort performed by the traveller to produce motion, has been a popular strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality, and promote physical activity. However, individuals who engage in AT may incur increased exposure to air pollutants and thus potential health impacts. This research sought to determine how active commuters understand the health risks associated with air pollution during their commutes, and whether they engage in any behaviours to limit exposure. An online survey was adapted from the Environmental Health Literacy framework to assess air pollution health literacy among active commuters in Hamilton, ON, and generated a sample size of 192 AT users. Analyses involved the use of frequency tables and cross-tabulations for the quantitative data, and the Health Belief Model and thematic analysis to interpret the qualitative data. Results revealed that most AT users do not adopt behaviours that would limit air pollution exposure on commutes and exhibited low self-rated knowledge of the health impacts of air pollution exposure. Issues of perceived susceptibility and severity, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy all further impacted the likelihood of adopting health protective behaviours. Conclusively, air pollution is an often-neglected consideration among active commuters, with air pollution knowledge predicting the likelihood of behavioural modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Ciarloni
- School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - K. Bruce Newbold
- School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Chen IC, Li CY, Lu CY, Huang YC, Lee PC, Lin MY, Wang YC, Chen LS, Kuo CL, Hou WH. Psychometric properties of novel instrument for evaluating ambient air pollution health literacy in adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285001. [PMID: 37327221 PMCID: PMC10275446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive ambient air pollution health literacy instrument. We developed items covering 12 constructs, four information competencies within three health domains. In this population-based telephone interview study, probability proportional to size sampling and random digit dialing were used to determine participants. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis to analyze model fits and used content validity indices and Cronbach's alpha to measure content validity and internal consistency reliability. Twenty-four items were generated, and a total of 1,297 participants were recruited. A theoretically conceived 12-factor model was supported (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.068, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.039, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.934, normed fit index [NFI] = 0.914, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.902). Content validity indices for relevance, importance, and unambiguity were 0.97, 0.99, and 0.94, respectively. Internal consistency reliability assessed by Cronbach's alpha was 0.93. The ambient air pollution health literacy instrument is valid and reliable and can be used in community residents. The novel instrument can guide the stakeholders and the authority to tailor and implement effective and appropriate interventions and actions, empowering the public to manage hazardous exposure and improving AAPHL of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Chen Chen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yi Li
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yeh Lu
- School of Gerontology Health Management & Master Program in Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Huang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chen Lee
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yeng Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Department of Law, College of Social Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sheng Chen
- Surveillance, Research and Health Education Division, Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lun Kuo
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nantou, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsuan Hou
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program in Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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McCarron A, Semple S, Braban CF, Swanson V, Gillespie C, Price HD. Public engagement with air quality data: using health behaviour change theory to support exposure-minimising behaviours. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:321-331. [PMID: 35764891 PMCID: PMC10234807 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution prematurely kills 7 million people globally every year. Policy measures designed to reduce emissions of pollutants, improve ambient air and consequently reduce health impacts, can be effective, but are generally slow to generate change. Individual actions can therefore supplement policy measures and more immediately reduce people's exposure to air pollution. Air quality indices (AQI) are used globally (though not universally) to translate complex air quality data into a single unitless metric, which can be paired with advice to encourage behaviour change. Here we explore, with reference to health behaviour theories, why these are frequently insufficient to instigate individual change. We examine the health behaviour theoretical steps linking air quality data with reduced air pollution exposure and (consequently) improved public health, arguing that a combination of more 'personalised' air quality data and greater public engagement with these data will together better support individual action. Based on this, we present a novel framework, which, when used to shape air quality interventions, has the potential to yield more effective and sustainable interventions to reduce individual exposures and thus reduce the global public health burden of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | | | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Urban Air Pollution and Greenness in Relation to Public Health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 2023:8516622. [PMID: 36755782 PMCID: PMC9902165 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8516622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Air pollution is the result of economic growth and urbanization. Air pollution has been progressively recognized as a serious problem for cities, through widespread effects on health and well-being. There is less concern from stakeholders about greenness and air pollution mitigating factors in an urban area. This research targeted to indicate the spatial dissemination of greenery, air quality levels (PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and AQI), and exposure to air quality-related health risks for the people in the urban area. Method The data were collected by measuring air quality at transportation stations and manufacturing industries with Air visual pro, then observing and mapping greenness in the city within the administrative boundary by GIS (street greenery, forest, availability of greenness in the manufacturing industry), and lastly questionnaire and interview were employed for air quality-related health issues. Then, the air quality data were analyzed by using USAQI standards and health messages. Both quantitative and qualitative research approach had employed to explore air pollution levels, availability of greenness, and air quality-related health issues. Moreover, Health questionnaires and greenness were correlated with air quality levels by a simple linear regression model. Result The result indicated that there was unhealthy air quality in the transportation and manufacturing industries. The measured air quality showed in a range of 50.13-96.84 μg/m3 of PM2.5, 645-1764 ppm of CO2, and 137-179 Air quality index (AQI). The highest mean of PM2.5 and air quality concentrations at Addis Ababa transportation stations and manufacturing sites ranged between 63.46 and 104.45 μg/m3 and 179-326, respectively. It was observed with less street greenery and greenness available in residential, commercial areas, and manufacturing industries. The pollution level was beyond the limit of WHO standards. The result has shown a health risk to the public in the city, particularly for drivers, street vendors, and manufacturing industry employees. Among 480 respondents, 57.92% experienced health risks due to air pollution by medical evidence. Conclusion High health risks due to industries and old motor vehicles in the city need to be reduced by introducing policies and strategies for low-carbon, minimizing traveling distance, encouraging high occupancy vehicles, and promoting a green legacy in the street network and green building.
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Li J, Li Y, Sun F, Lu C. The influence of environmental awareness and conditions on successful aging: Evidence of air and water pollution in China. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2236680. [PMID: 37515821 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2236680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
This study examines three aspects of successful aging including subjective health, cognitive ability, and social participation and their relations with environmental conditions and environmental awareness. We used the seemingly uncorrelated regression and multilevel models to estimate the joint relationship by combining the Chinese General Social Survey (2013 and 2021) (N = 5404 and 1580 accordingly) and the Chinese Statistical Yearbook and used propensity score analysis to identify potential endogenous issues. The first finding is that older people who were men, married, lived in urban areas, or received social security had an edge in aging successfully. Secondly, the adverse effects of environmental pollution on older adults' cognitive ability and social participation can be reduced by the protective effects of environmental awareness. Additionally, air pollution had more apparent effects, and water pollution was more modest in social involvement. This study offers empirical results to enhance the well-being of the older population by lifting their environmental perception and improving environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyue Li
- Department of Sociology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Empirical Social Science Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Sociology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Empirical Social Science Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chuntian Lu
- Department of Sociology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Empirical Social Science Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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Mendoza-Cano O, Murillo-Zamora E, Ochoa-Martínez ÁC, Mendoza-Olivo VA, Ríos-Silva M, Trujillo X, Huerta M, Bricio-Barrios JA, Benites-Godínez V, González-Curiel I, Pérez-Rodríguez RY, Pelallo-Martínez NA, Lugo-Radillo A. Insight into the Burden of Malignant Respiratory Tumors and their Relationship with Smoking Rates and Lead Contamination in Mexico. TOXICS 2022; 10:708. [PMID: 36422916 PMCID: PMC9699460 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to report the results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 related to respiratory malignant tumors (tracheal, bronchial, and lung) in Mexico. We also evaluated the relationship between the burden of these neoplasms and the proportion of daily smokers and total lead emissions in 2019. A cross-sectional analysis of ecological data was performed. The burden of these tumors was 152,189 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and years of life lost (YLL) contributed to 99% of them. The highest DALYs rates (per 100,000) were observed in the states of Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Nayarit. We documented a linear relationship between the DALYs rates and the prevalence of daily smokers (β = 8.50, 95% CI 1.58-15.38) and the total lead emissions (tons/year: β = 4.04, 95% CI 0.07-8.01). If later replicated, our study would provide insight into the major relevance of regulating tobacco use and the activities associated with the production of lead dust and other hazardous contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Mendoza-Cano
- Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Colima, km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, Coquimatlán C.P. 28400, Colima, Mexico
| | - Efrén Murillo-Zamora
- Departamento de Epidemiología, Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 19, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Av. Javier Mina 301, Col. Centro, Colima C.P. 28000, Colima, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Col. Las Víboras, Colima C.P. 28040, Colima, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Catalina Ochoa-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación Para La Innovación y Aplicación de La Ciencia y La Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Col. Lomas Segunda Sección, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, Col. Lomas los Filtros, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Valeria Argentina Mendoza-Olivo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, Coquimatlán C.P. 28400, Colima, Mexico
| | - Mónica Ríos-Silva
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima—CONACyT, Av. 25 de Julio 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima C.P. 28045, Colima, Mexico
| | - Xóchitl Trujillo
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de Julio 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima C.P. 28045, Colima, Mexico
| | - Miguel Huerta
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de Julio 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima C.P. 28045, Colima, Mexico
| | - Jaime Alberto Bricio-Barrios
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Col. Las Víboras, Colima C.P. 28040, Colima, Mexico
| | - Verónica Benites-Godínez
- Coordinación de Educación en Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Calzada del Ejercito Nacional 14, Col. Fray Junípero Serra, Tepic C.P. 63160, Nayarit, Mexico
- Unidad Académica de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de la Cultura Amado Nervo, Tepic C.P. 631555, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Irma González-Curiel
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Campus UAZ, Siglo XXI. Carr. Zacatecas-Guadalajara Km. 6., Zacatecas C.P. 98160, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Yasmín Pérez-Rodríguez
- Department of Chemistry, DCNE, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato C.P. 36700, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nadia Azenet Pelallo-Martínez
- Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Colima, km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, Coquimatlán C.P. 28400, Colima, Mexico
| | - Agustín Lugo-Radillo
- CONACYT—Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Marquart H. Informing about the invisible: communicating en route air pollution and noise exposure to cyclists and pedestrians using focus groups. EUROPEAN TRANSPORT RESEARCH REVIEW 2022; 14:49. [PMID: 38625277 PMCID: PMC9643997 DOI: 10.1186/s12544-022-00571-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Active mobility and public transport are considered beneficial for health and wellbeing and valuable for climate change mitigation. However, cyclists and pedestrians have high air pollution and noise exposure alongside traffic, which adversely impact health and wellbeing. The measured exposure can differ from the perceived exposure, hence, communicating en route exposure is crucial. Therefore, this study investigates how to communicate route-based exposure to cyclists and pedestrians and explores if exposure communication, e.g. via smartphones, is worthwhile for healthy and pleasant commute. It is investigated how exposure feedback influences the motivation to protect oneself and how exposure information should be designed. Three focus groups with 20 cyclists/pedestrians living in Berlin, Germany, were conducted. Based on Protection Motivation Theory and Environmental Health Literacy concept, (1) experiences and practices after recognizing exposure were discussed and (2) information needs and communication strategies were developed. The results reveal a feeling of helplessness regarding the ubiquity and uncertainty of pollution and a heightened threat appraisal. Anger, anxiety and rejection were stated. Making sense of pollution levels and protective alternatives were central. A healthy routing app, including also pleasant route factors, was desired. However, information provision was also denied. Participants argued the responsibility should not be left to the commuters and planning for exposed road users would be crucial. Information provision may not be worthwhile if planning authorities do not provide healthy alternatives. People-centered approaches for tackling air pollution and noise exposure en route should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Marquart
- Institute of Transport Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 7, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Geography Department, Humboldt University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
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Saadeh R, Khader Y, Malkawi M, Allouh MZ. Communicating the Risks of Air Pollution to the Public: A Perspective from Jordan and Lebanon. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221127851. [PMID: 36277840 PMCID: PMC9583232 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221127851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communicating air pollution to the public is essential in reducing exposure to air pollutants through increasing awareness and promoting precautionary actions. However, one way to approach the public is through healthcare professionals who are considered public health leaders and could influence the public's opinion. The current study aimed to investigate the perception of health experts about communicating air pollution to the public. METHODS Personal interviews of 32 health professionals were conducted to report their opinions about communication of air pollution through an open-ended questionnaire. Interview questions were focused on 5 themes: common air pollutants and health risks, goals and barriers of communication, types of information to disseminate, target groups, and vehicles of communication. RESULTS Interviewees agreed that air pollution should be communicated to the public. Major barriers to achieving effective communication were people's poor comprehension and lack of interest of policymakers. The levels of pollution, associated health risks, and ways to protect one's self were the most frequently reported types of information to distribute. Most interviewees focused on patients with pre-existing conditions and children as the main target groups. Further, social media and text messages were preferred as vehicles of communication. CONCLUSION Although not all interviewees had a clear idea of how to develop and implement a communication system, most of them agreed on its importance in protecting the public. More emphasis on this topic and further investigations are expected to increase the interest of health care professionals in communicating the risks of air pollution and advocating for public health policies regarding air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Saadeh
- Department of Public Health and
Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and
Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Yousef Khader
- Department of Public Health and
Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and
Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mazen Malkawi
- World Health Organization, Regional
Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Centre for Environmental Health Action, Amman,
Jordan
| | - Mohammed Z Allouh
- Department of Anatomy, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
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Nguyen TPL, Virdis SGP, Winjikul E. Inequality of Low Air Quality-Related Health Impacts among Socioeconomic Groups in the World of Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12980. [PMID: 36232280 PMCID: PMC9566747 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This research aimed to assess the perceptions of air quality and health symptoms caused by low urban air quality among vulnerable socio-economic groups in the world of work in Bangkok, Thailand through a questionnaire survey of 400 workers of both formal and informal sectors in the five districts with different socio-economic characteristics and levels of air pollution. The findings showed symmetry between air quality-monitoring data and health symptoms of different socio-economic groups but asymmetry between air quality-monitoring data and people's perceptions of air quality in their areas. It also showed inequalities of low air quality-related health impacts on socio-economic groups in the world of work. People working near the streets, highways, and industrial zones tended to have more health symptoms related to low air quality, and informal sector workers faced more health risks than formal sector workers. The study appeals for effective air pollution communication to enhance the public and informal sector worker population's literacy of air pollution, the sources of air pollution and its critical health impacts, and the available and sufficient primary care organizations and community health care centers to address work-related health needs to reach the informal sector worker population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen
- Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Salvatore G. P. Virdis
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Ekbordin Winjikul
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Changes, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
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Outdoor Air Pollution and Pregnancy Loss: a Review of Recent Literature. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00304-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review summarizes recent literature about the impacts of outdoor air pollution on pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion/miscarriage and stillbirth), identifies challenges and opportunities, and provides recommendations for actions.
Recent Findings
Both short- and long-term exposures to ubiquitous air pollutants, including fine particulate matter < 2.5 and < 10 μm, may increase pregnancy loss risk. Windows of susceptibility include the entire gestational period, especially early pregnancy, and the week before event. Vulnerable subpopulations were not consistently explored, but some evidence suggests that pregnant parents from more disadvantaged populations may be more impacted even at the same exposure level.
Summary
Given environmental conditions conductive to high air pollution exposures become more prevalent as the climate shifts, air pollution’s impacts on pregnancy is expected to become a growing public health concern. While awaiting larger preconception studies to further understand causal impacts, multi-disciplinary efforts to minimize exposures among pregnant women are warranted.
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Ammons S, Aja H, Ghazarian AA, Lai GY, Ellison GL. Perception of worry of harm from air pollution: results from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1254. [PMID: 35752789 PMCID: PMC9233822 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Air pollution exposure has been associated with a multitude of diseases and poses a significant concern to public health. For targeted environmental risk communication and interventions to be effective, it is important to correctly identify characteristics associated with worry of harm from air pollution. Methods Using responses from 3,630 participants of the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 2, we assessed worry of harm from exposure to indoor (IAP) and outdoor (OAP) air pollution separately. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Hispanics were more likely to worry about harm from IAP and OAP compared to non-Hispanic whites. Participants who lived in metropolitan counties were more likely to worry about harm from IAP and OAP compared to those who lived in rural counties. Finally, those who believed their chance of getting cancer was high were more likely to worry about harm from IAP and OAP compared to those who thought their likelihood of getting cancer was low. Conclusions Worry of harm from IAP and OAP varied across sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics. Public health professionals should consider these characteristics when developing targeted environmental risk communication and interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13450-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ammons
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Hayley Aja
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA.,Extramural Research Branch, Extramural Research and Partnerships Division, Office of Science Advisor, Policy, and Engagement, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Armen A Ghazarian
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Gabriel Y Lai
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Gary L Ellison
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA.
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Stanifer S, Hoover AG, Rademacher K, Rayens MK, Haneberg W, Hahn EJ. Citizen Science Approach to Home Radon Testing, Environmental Health Literacy and Efficacy. CITIZEN SCIENCE : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2022; 7:26. [PMID: 36845873 PMCID: PMC9949773 DOI: 10.5334/cstp.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to radon is a leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. However, few test their homes for radon. There is a need to increase access to radon testing and decrease radon exposure. This longitudinal, mixed-methods study using a citizen science approach recruited and trained a convenience sample of 60 non-scientist homeowners from four rural Kentucky counties to test their homes for radon using a low-cost continuous radon detector, report back findings, and participate in a focus group to assess their testing experience. The aim was to evaluate changes in environmental health literacy (EHL) and efficacy over time. Participants completed online surveys at baseline, post-testing, and 4-5 months later to evaluate EHL, response efficacy, health information efficacy, and self-efficacy related to radon testing and mitigation. Mixed modeling for repeated measures evaluated changes over time. Citizen scientists reported a significant increase in EHL, health information efficacy, and radon testing self-efficacy over time. While there was a significant increase in citizen scientists' confidence in their perceived ability to contact a radon mitigation professional, there was no change over time in citizen scientists' beliefs that radon mitigation would reduce the threat of radon exposure, nor was there a change in their capacity to hire a radon mitigation professional. Further research is needed to understand the role of citizen science in home radon mitigation.
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Damon SA, Rupert DJ, Pryzby R. Air Aware: Improving Use of an Existing Air Quality and Health Tool. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:1-7. [PMID: 35105275 PMCID: PMC9050860 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.2025173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollutants is a significant health risk for individuals with asthma, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Measures such as limiting time outdoors or performing less strenuous tasks when air quality levels are better can mitigate these risks, but only if people are aware of both these recommendations and how to know when air quality is best, and worst. Formative audience assessment determined that applications developed for mobile devices are the optimal way to provide this information, but knowledge of the existing United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and partners' AirNow tool was minimal. We developed, field-tested, adapted, and implemented pilot efforts at both the national and local levels to address this knowledge gap, and present findings suggesting a concentrated local effort can heighten use of AirNow, leading to more pro-healthy behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Damon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Keegan SA, Rahman KM. Health protection messaging for populations susceptible to air pollution during landscape fire smoke events: an integrative review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:599-609. [PMID: 33721920 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Public health communication strategies to protect against the health impacts of air pollution due to landscape fire are becoming increasingly urgent in Australia. How well the public, particularly susceptible populations, are receiving, understanding and acting upon health protection messages related to smoke events is poorly understood. This integrative review sought literature relevant to health protection messaging for smoke events, including appropriate message content and suitable message delivery, with a focus on vulnerable and sensitive populations. Using an exhaustive search strategy of databases and grey literature, 26 relevant articles were identified and thematically analysed to produce a synthesis of findings on key themes. Findings indicated that a variety of traditional and modern communication channels are needed to ensure health messages are received by those most at-risk and should consider locally relevant information. A key theme to emerge in this review was the need for health messaging to susceptible populations to commence in advance of bushfire seasons to facilitate health protective actions being taken. During the acute-phase of smoke events, messages that were short with non-technical advice, were recalled and complied with more often. The need to improve the consistency of message content was a recurrent theme in the literature and suggested a need for greater interagency collaboration and communication. Preliminary evidence from smartphone app studies show promising results for targeted communication, however, more robust research is needed on the efficacy of these communication channels. Further research is also needed on the health impacts of smoke events, related compounding issues and strategies to reduce health risks, to better inform health protection messaging to susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazi Mizanur Rahman
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales Health, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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Visualizing the Invisible: Visual-Based Design and Efficacy in Air Quality Messaging. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010882. [PMID: 34682628 PMCID: PMC8536059 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the effect and efficacy of visual designs for messages about poor air quality. The study utilized a 2 (message efficacy: high vs. low) × 2 (message design: visual vs. text) between-subjects experimental design, of N = 95 students from a large Western university. This experiment assessed the effects of message design and efficacy of language on students’ visual comprehension, source credibility, self-efficacy, and protective behavioral intention. Hypotheses 1 and 2 were partially supported, finding that there were some statistically significant effects for efficacy and message design on students’ comprehension and protective behavioral intention. Future work should focus on strategies for more salient air quality health communication because wildfires will continue to impact the western United States.
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Chatelier J, Chan S, Tan JA, Stewart AG, Douglass JA. Managing Exacerbations in Thunderstorm Asthma: Current Insights. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:4537-4550. [PMID: 34526800 PMCID: PMC8436255 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s324282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) occurs following a thunderstorm due to the interaction of environmental and immunologic factors. Whilst first reported in the 1980s, the world's largest event in Melbourne, Australia, on November 21, 2016 has led to a wealth of clinical literature seeking to identify its mechanisms, susceptibility risk factors, and management approaches. Thunderstorm asthma (TA) typically presents during an aeroallergen season in individuals sensitized to perennial rye grass pollen (RGP) in Australia, or fungus in the United Kingdom, in combination with meteorological factors such as thunderstorms and lightning activity. It is now well recognized that large pollen grains, which usually lodge in the upper airway causing seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), are ruptured during these events, leading to sub-pollen particles respirable to the lower respiratory tract causing acute asthma. The identified risk factors of aeroallergen sensitization, specifically to RGP in Australians with a history of SAR, and individuals born in Australia of South-East Asian descent as a risk factor for TA has been key in selecting appropriate patients for preventative management. Moreover, severity-determining risk factors for ETSA-related asthma admission or mortality, including pre-existing asthma or prior hospitalization, poor inhaled corticosteroid adherence, and outdoor location at the time of the storm are important in identifying those who may require more aggressive treatment approaches. Basic treatments include optimizing asthma control and adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy, treatment of SAR, and education regarding TA to increase recognition of at-risk days. Precision treatment approaches may be more beneficial in select individuals, including the use of allergen immunotherapy and even biologic treatment to mitigate asthma severity. Finally, we discuss the importance of environmental health literacy in the context of concerns surrounding the increased frequency of ETSA due to climate change and its implications for the frequency and severity of future events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Chatelier
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Chan
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Immunology Division, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ju Ann Tan
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jo Anne Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Hou WH, Huang YC, Lu CY, Chen IC, Lee PC, Lin MY, Wang YC, Sulistyorini L, Li CY. A national survey of ambient air pollution health literacy among adult residents of Taiwan. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1604. [PMID: 34465329 PMCID: PMC8406719 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the level of and covariates associated with ambient air pollution health literacy (AAPHL) among adult residents of Taiwan. METHODS With a cross-sectional study design, we conducted telephone interviews using a Chinese version AAPHL scale, which consisted of 24 items assessing 12 subdomains of AAPHL formed by 4 information processing competence matrices (i.e., access, understand, appraise, and apply) and 3 health contexts (i.e., healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion). The AAPHL was with the lowest and highest score at 1 to 4, respectively. Between September and November 2020, a sample of 1017 and 280 adults was successfully interviewed via home phones and mobile phones, respectively. We employed multiple linear regression models to identify covariates significantly associated with overall and 4 matric-specific AAPHL scores. RESULTS The mean and standard deviation (±SD) of overall AAPHL score was considered as moderate at 2.90 (±0.56), with the highest and lowest metric-specific score for "apply" (3.07 ± 0.59) and "appraise" (2.75 ± 0.66). Lower education was significantly associated with a lower overall score; and living with children < 12 years and single were both significantly associated with higher overall scores. We also noted a significant geographic variation in overall score in which people living in the east/remote islands had highest scores. CONCLUSIONS People in Taiwan had only moderate level of AAPHL; and covariates including education, living arrangement, marital status, and area of living were significantly associated with AAPHL. These covariates should be considered in future educational interventions aiming to improve the AAPHL in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsuan Hou
- School of Gerontology Health Management & Master Program in Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Geriatric Medicine, & Department of Education, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Huang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, #1, University Rd, Tainan, Taiwan, 701
| | - Chien-Yeh Lu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, #1, University Rd, Tainan, Taiwan, 701
| | - I-Chen Chen
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, #1, University Rd, Tainan, Taiwan, 701.,Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chen Lee
- Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yeng Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Department of Law, College of Social Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Lilis Sulistyorini
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Chung-Yi Li
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, #1, University Rd, Tainan, Taiwan, 701. .,Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia. .,Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Byun HM, Park YJ, Yun EK. [An Exploratory Study on the Policy for Facilitating of Health Behaviors Related to Particulate Matter: Using Topic and Semantic Network Analysis of Media Text]. J Korean Acad Nurs 2021; 51:68-79. [PMID: 33706332 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.20213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the mass and social media contents and structures related to particulate matter before and after the policy enforcement of the comprehensive countermeasures for particulate matter, derive nursing implications, and provide a basis for designing health policies. METHODS After crawling online news articles and posts on social networking sites before and after policy enforcement with particulate matter as keywords, we conducted topic and semantic network analysis using TEXTOM, R, and UCINET 6. RESULTS In topic analysis, behavior tips was the common main topic in both media before and after the policy enforcement. After the policy enforcement, influence on health disappeared from the main topics due to increased reports about reduction measures and government in mass media, whereas influence on health appeared as the main topic in social media. However semantic network analysis confirmed that social media had much number of nodes and links and lower centrality than mass media, leaving substantial information that was not organically connected and unstructured. CONCLUSION Understanding of particulate matter policy and implications influence health, as well as gaps in the needs and use of health information, should be integrated with leadership and supports in the nurses' care of vulnerable patients and public health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Min Byun
- College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - You Jin Park
- Graduate School of Public Policy and Civic Engagement, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Yun
- College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
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Development of a Health-Based Index to Identify the Association between Air Pollution and Health Effects in Mexico City. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12030372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Health risks from air pollution continue to be a major concern for residents in Mexico City. These health burdens could be partially alleviated through individual avoidance behavior if accurate information regarding the daily health risks of multiple pollutants became available. A split sample approach was used in this study to create and validate a multi-pollutant, health-based air quality index. Poisson generalized linear models were used to assess the impacts of ambient air pollution (i.e., fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ground-level ozone (O3)) on a total of 610,982 daily emergency department (ED) visits for respiratory disease obtained from 40 facilities in the metropolitan area of Mexico City from 2010 to 2015. Increased risk of respiratory ED visits was observed for interquartile increases in the 4-day average concentrations of PM2.5 (Risk Ratio (RR) 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04), O3 (RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05), and to a lesser extent NO2 (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.02). An additive, multi-pollutant index was created using coefficients for these three pollutants. Positive associations of index values with daily respiratory ED visits was observed among children (ages 2–17) and adults (ages 18+). The use of previously unavailable daily health records enabled an assessment of short-term ambient air pollution concentrations on respiratory morbidity in Mexico City and the creation of a health-based air quality index, which is now currently in use in Mexico City.
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Anjum MS, Ali SM, Imad-Ud-Din M, Subhani MA, Anwar MN, Nizami AS, Ashraf U, Khokhar MF. An Emerged Challenge of Air Pollution and Ever-Increasing Particulate Matter in Pakistan; A Critical Review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123943. [PMID: 33254830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study, for the first time, aims to evaluate the situation of air quality in Pakistan critically; through a detailed assessment of sources, policies, and key challenges to identify the plausible way forward. Air pollution and particulate matter have merged as a global challenge in recent years because of its growing health and socio-economic risks. The intensity and impacts of these risks have become more pronounced, especially in developing countries like Pakistan that lack adequate warning, protection, and management systems. Various epidemiological studies have linked poor air quality with different health disorders and increasing death rates. In Pakistan, mortality rates as a result of exposure to increased levels of air pollutants, especially particulate matter, are alarming. According to the World Bank's estimates, Pakistan's annual burden of disease from outdoor air pollution is responsible for around 22,000 premature adult deaths and 163,432 DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) lost. The concentration of major air pollutants in Pakistan, such as NOx, O3, and SO2 have also been increasing significantly over the last two decades. Several studies are also reporting multiple instances of air quality around the major cities of Pakistan being consistently exceeding the national guidelines. During teh year 2019 PM2.5 cocnentrations in the city of Lahore revealed that almost every single day was in exceedance of the WHO and national air quality standards. Although the substantial effects of these rising pollutant concentrations in Pakistan have been stated in a few studies, however, the total extent, nature of contributing factors, and consequences remain inadequately understood. This study aims to use data available from monitoring stations, satellites, and literature to highlight the gaps in our understanding and emphasize the critical challenges associated with poor air quality faced in Pakistan. Topmost is the lack of air quality monitoring systems followed by poor initiatives by policymakers and enforcement agencies. A way forward while addressing these key challenges is also discussed, which focuses on the development of flexible monitoring, new technologies, and monitoring approaches in addition to communications among the various public, private agencies, and all relevant stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shehzaib Anjum
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Mahnoor Ali
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imad-Ud-Din
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ahmed Subhani
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naveed Anwar
- Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul-Sattar Nizami
- Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Umar Ashraf
- Punjab Environmental Protection Department, Lahore Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fahim Khokhar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Media Reporting on Air Pollution: Health Risk and Precautionary Measures in National and Regional Newspapers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186516. [PMID: 32906815 PMCID: PMC7559561 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution is one of the primary global health risk factors, yet individuals lack the knowledge to engage in individual risk mitigation and the skills to mobilize for the change necessary to reduce such risks. News media is an important tool for influencing individual actions and support for public policies to reduce environmental threats; thus, a lack of news coverage of such issues may exacerbate knowledge deficits. This study examines the reporting of health risks and precautionary measures regarding air pollution in national and regional print news. We conducted a content analysis of two national and two local newspapers covering the USA's most polluted region during a 5-year period. Coders identified information on threat, self-efficacy, protective measures and information sources. Nearly 40% of air pollution news articles mentioned human health risks. Fewer than 10% of news stories about air pollution provided information on the precautionary measures necessary for individuals to take action to mitigate their risk. Local newspapers did not report more threat (Χ2 = 1.931, p = 0.165) and efficacy (Χ2 = 1.118, p = 0.209) information. Although air pollution levels are high and continue to rise at alarming rates, our findings suggest that news media reporting is not conducive to raising environmental health literacy.
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Ha S, Nobles C, Kanner J, Sherman S, Cho SH, Perkins N, Williams A, Grobman W, Biggio J, Subramaniam A, Ouidir M, Chen Z, Mendola P. Air Pollution Exposure Monitoring among Pregnant Women with and without Asthma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17134888. [PMID: 32645870 PMCID: PMC7369909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17134888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: We monitored exposure to fine particulates (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ambient temperature for pregnant women with and without asthma. Methods: Women (n = 40) from the Breathe—Well-Being, Environment, Lifestyle, and Lung Function Study (2015–2018) were enrolled during pregnancy and monitored for 2–4 days. Daily pollutants were measured using personal air monitors, indoor air monitors, and nearest Environmental Protection Agency’s stationary monitors based on GPS tracking and home address. Results: Personal-monitor measurements of PM2.5, ozone, and NO2 did not vary by asthma status but exposure profiles significantly differed by assessment methods. EPA stationary monitor-based methods appeared to underestimate PM2.5 and temperature exposure and overestimate ozone and NO2 exposure. Higher indoor-monitored PM2.5 exposures were associated with smoking and the use of gas appliances. The proportion of waking-time during which personal monitors were worn was ~56%. Lower compliance was associated with exercise, smoking, being around a smoker, and the use of a prescription drug. Conclusions: Exposure did not vary by asthma status but was influenced by daily activities and assessment methods. Personal monitors may better capture exposures but non-compliance merits attention. Meanwhile, larger monitoring studies are warranted to further understand exposure profiles and the health effects of air pollution during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Ha
- Department of Public Health, Health Sciences Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-209-228-3615
| | - Carrie Nobles
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.N.); (J.K.); (N.P.); (M.O.); (Z.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Jenna Kanner
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.N.); (J.K.); (N.P.); (M.O.); (Z.C.); (P.M.)
| | | | - Seung-Hyun Cho
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Neil Perkins
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.N.); (J.K.); (N.P.); (M.O.); (Z.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Andrew Williams
- School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
| | - William Grobman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | | | - Akila Subramaniam
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Marion Ouidir
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.N.); (J.K.); (N.P.); (M.O.); (Z.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.N.); (J.K.); (N.P.); (M.O.); (Z.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.N.); (J.K.); (N.P.); (M.O.); (Z.C.); (P.M.)
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Contribution of micro-PIXE to the characterization of settled dust events in an urban area affected by industrial activities. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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