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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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3
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Vien MH, Ivey SL, Boyden H, Holm S, Neuhauser L. A scoping review of wildfire smoke risk communications: issues, gaps, and recommendations. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:312. [PMID: 38281022 PMCID: PMC10822163 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17681-0] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wildfire smoke exposure has become a growing public health concern, as megafires and fires at the wildland urban interface increase in incidence and severity. Smoke contains many pollutants that negatively impact health and is linked to a number of health complications and chronic diseases. Communicating effectively with the public, especially at-risk populations, to reduce their exposure to this environmental pollutant has become a public health priority. Although wildfire smoke risk communication research has also increased in the past decade, best practice guidance is limited, and most health communications do not adhere to health literacy principles: readability, accessibility, and actionability. This scoping review identifies peer-reviewed studies about wildfire smoke risk communications to identify gaps in research and evaluation of communications and programs that seek to educate the public. METHODS Four hundred fifty-one articles were identified from Web of Science and PubMed databases. After screening, 21 articles were included in the final sample for the abstraction process and qualitative thematic analysis. Ten articles were based in the US, with the other half in Australia, Canada, Italy, and other countries. Fifteen articles examined communication materials and messaging recommendations. Eight papers described communication delivery strategies. Eleven articles discussed behavior change. Six articles touched on risk communications for vulnerable populations; findings were limited and called for increasing awareness and prioritizing risk communications for at-risk populations. RESULTS This scoping review found limited studies describing behavior change to reduce wildfire smoke exposure, characteristics of effective communication materials and messaging, and communication delivery strategies. Literature on risk communications, dissemination, and behavior change for vulnerable populations was even more limited. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations include providing risk communications that are easy-to-understand and adapted to specific needs of at-risk groups. Communications should provide a limited number of messages that include specific actions for avoiding smoke exposure. Effective communications should use mixed media formats and a wide variety of dissemination strategies. There is a pressing need for more intervention research and effectiveness evaluation of risk communications about wildfire smoke exposure, and more development and dissemination of risk communications for both the general public and vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan H Vien
- Health Research for Action, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, USA.
| | - Susan L Ivey
- Health Research for Action, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, USA
| | - Hollynd Boyden
- Health Research for Action, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, USA
| | - Stephanie Holm
- Health Research for Action, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, USA
- Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, San Francisco, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Linda Neuhauser
- Health Research for Action, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, USA
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O'Dell K, Kondragunta S, Zhang H, Goldberg DL, Kerr GH, Wei Z, Henderson BH, Anenberg SC. Public Health Benefits From Improved Identification of Severe Air Pollution Events With Geostationary Satellite Data. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2023GH000890. [PMID: 38259818 PMCID: PMC10801669 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Despite improvements in ambient air quality in the US in recent decades, many people still experience unhealthy levels of pollution. At present, national-level alert-day identification relies predominately on surface monitor networks and forecasters. Satellite-based estimates of surface air quality have rapidly advanced and have the capability to inform exposure-reducing actions to protect public health. At present, we lack a robust framework to quantify public health benefits of these advances in applications of satellite-based atmospheric composition data. Here, we assess possible health benefits of using geostationary satellite data, over polar orbiting satellite data, for identifying particulate air quality alert days (24hr PM2.5 > 35 μg m-3) in 2020. We find the more extensive spatiotemporal coverage of geostationary satellite data leads to a 60% increase in identification of person-alerts (alert days × population) in 2020 over polar-orbiting satellite data. We apply pre-existing estimates of PM2.5 exposure reduction by individual behavior modification and find these additional person-alerts may lead to 1,200 (800-1,500) or 54% more averted PM2.5-attributable premature deaths per year, if geostationary, instead of polar orbiting, satellite data alone are used to identify alert days. These health benefits have an associated economic value of 13 (8.8-17) billion dollars ($2019) per year. Our results highlight one of many potential applications of atmospheric composition data from geostationary satellites for improving public health. Identifying these applications has important implications for guiding use of current satellite data and planning future geostationary satellite missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn O'Dell
- Milken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Shobha Kondragunta
- NOAA/NESDIS/Center for Satellite Applications and ResearchCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - Hai Zhang
- I. M. Systems Group, NOAA NCWCP, 5830 University Research CtCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - Daniel L. Goldberg
- Milken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Gaige Hunter Kerr
- Milken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Zigang Wei
- I. M. Systems Group, NOAA NCWCP, 5830 University Research CtCollege ParkMDUSA
| | | | - Susan C. Anenberg
- Milken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
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Schulte K, Hudson B. A cross-sectional study of inequalities in digital air pollution information access and exposure reducing behavior uptake in the UK. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108236. [PMID: 37832262 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108236] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is a pervasive global environmental challenge that presents substantial and differential risk across populations. Individual-level pollution exposure is a function of varying factors, including but not limited to geographic location, proximity to point sources, ventilation, and behavioral patterns. Mounting evidence suggests that informational interventions can play a substantial role in mediating exposures for specific population subgroups and reduce downstream adverse health outcomes. The literature has yet to address whether access to air quality information is sociodemographically stratified, and whether such access correlates with increased uptake of exposure reducing behaviors at the population level. This study represents a first step in answering these questions by analysing responses from the "Clean Air Public Insight Tracker" nationally representative survey (n = 1,993) of the UK population, administered by UK charity Global Action Plan. Results from logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial models estimate 28% of the population have accessed air pollution information, while the odds of younger individuals (ages 18-36), men, and non-white individuals of accessing digitally available air quality information are greater that those outside these categories. Additionally, the odds of behavior uptake is greater if an individual accesses digital information sources like the internet, mobile apps or social media, has a higher education qualification or cares for someone with a health condition. These findings contribute to the growing literature surrounding which population groups engage with environmental and health-relevant information channels, and what connects engagement with air quality channels and uptake of exposure reducing behaviors. These results reinforce the need for additional research around air pollution informational alerts and exploring causal links between specific exposure reducing behaviours and improved health outcomes. It can also help inform the flow of resources and targeting of informational campaigns towards sociodemographic groups that are less likely to engage with air quality information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Schulte
- Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Naserinejad N, Costanian C, Birot O, Barboni T, Roudier E. Wildland fire, air pollution and cardiovascular health: is it time to focus on the microvasculature as a risk assessment tool? Front Physiol 2023; 14:1225195. [PMID: 37538378 PMCID: PMC10394245 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1225195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change favors weather conditions conducive to wildland fires. The intensity and frequency of forest fires are increasing, and fire seasons are lengthening. Exposure of human populations to smoke emitted by these fires increases, thereby contributing to airborne pollution through the emission of gas and particulate matter (PM). The adverse health outcomes associated with wildland fire exposure represent an important burden on the economies and health systems of societies. Even though cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main of cause of the global burden of diseases attributable to PM exposure, it remains difficult to show reliable associations between exposure to wildland fire smoke and cardiovascular disease risk in population-based studies. Optimal health requires a resilient and adaptable network of small blood vessels, namely, the microvasculature. Often alterations of this microvasculature precede the occurrence of adverse health outcomes, including CVD. Biomarkers of microvascular health could then represent possible markers for the early detection of poor cardiovascular outcomes. This review aims to synthesize the current literature to gauge whether assessing the microvasculature can better estimate the cardiovascular impact of wildland fires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazgol Naserinejad
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christy Costanian
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivier Birot
- Muscle Health Research Center, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Toussaint Barboni
- Laboratoire des Sciences Pour l’Environnement (SPE), UMR-CNRS 6134, University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, Campus Grimaldi, Corte, France
| | - Emilie Roudier
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Center, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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7
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Wong-Parodi G, Garfin DR. Priming close social contact protective behaviors enhances protective social norms perceptions, protection views, and self-protective behaviors during disasters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 80:103135. [PMID: 35784266 PMCID: PMC9233988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many people do not make choices that minimize risk in the face of health and environmental threats. Using pre-registered analyses, we tested whether a risk communication that primed perceptions about health-protective preparation and behavior of close social contacts promoted protection views and protective behaviors. From December 10-24, 2020, we fielded a 2 (threat vignette: wildfire or COVID-19) x 3 (social contact prime: control, inaction, or action) experiment to a representative sample of 1,108 California residents facing increased COVID-19 cases/deaths, who had recently experienced the most destructive wildfire season in California history. Outcome variables were protection views and protective behavior (i.e., information seeking). Across threat conditions, stronger social norms, efficacy, and worry predicted greater protection views and some protective behaviors. Priming social-contact action resulted in greater COVID-19 information-seeking compared to the control. In the wildfire smoke condition, priming social contact action and inaction increased perceived protective behavior social norms compared to the control; social norms partially mediated the relationships of priming with protection views and protective behaviors; and having existing mask supplies enhanced the relationship between priming inaction and greater protection views compared to priming action or the control. Findings highlight the importance of social influence for health protection views and protective behaviors. Communications enhancing social norms that are sensitive to resource contexts may help promote protective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wong-Parodi
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, USA
| | - Dana Rose Garfin
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, USA
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, USA
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8
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D’Evelyn SM, Jung J, Alvarado E, Baumgartner J, Caligiuri P, Hagmann RK, Henderson SB, Hessburg PF, Hopkins S, Kasner EJ, Krawchuk MA, Krenz JE, Lydersen JM, Marlier ME, Masuda YJ, Metlen K, Mittelstaedt G, Prichard SJ, Schollaert CL, Smith EB, Stevens JT, Tessum CW, Reeb-Whitaker C, Wilkins JL, Wolff NH, Wood LM, Haugo RD, Spector JT. Wildfire, Smoke Exposure, Human Health, and Environmental Justice Need to be Integrated into Forest Restoration and Management. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:366-385. [PMID: 35524066 PMCID: PMC9076366 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increasing wildfire size and severity across the western United States has created an environmental and social crisis that must be approached from a transdisciplinary perspective. Climate change and more than a century of fire exclusion and wildfire suppression have led to contemporary wildfires with more severe environmental impacts and human smoke exposure. Wildfires increase smoke exposure for broad swaths of the US population, though outdoor workers and socially disadvantaged groups with limited adaptive capacity can be disproportionally exposed. Exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with a range of health impacts in children and adults, including exacerbation of existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, worse birth outcomes, and cardiovascular events. Seasonally dry forests in Washington, Oregon, and California can benefit from ecological restoration as a way to adapt forests to climate change and reduce smoke impacts on affected communities. RECENT FINDINGS Each wildfire season, large smoke events, and their adverse impacts on human health receive considerable attention from both the public and policymakers. The severity of recent wildfire seasons has state and federal governments outlining budgets and prioritizing policies to combat the worsening crisis. This surging attention provides an opportunity to outline the actions needed now to advance research and practice on conservation, economic, environmental justice, and public health interests, as well as the trade-offs that must be considered. Scientists, planners, foresters and fire managers, fire safety, air quality, and public health practitioners must collaboratively work together. This article is the result of a series of transdisciplinary conversations to find common ground and subsequently provide a holistic view of how forest and fire management intersect with human health through the impacts of smoke and articulate the need for an integrated approach to both planning and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah M. D’Evelyn
- Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Jihoon Jung
- Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Ernesto Alvarado
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jill Baumgartner
- Dept of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - R. Keala Hagmann
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Applegate Forestry, LLC, Corvallis, USA
| | | | - Paul F. Hessburg
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Wenatchee, WA USA
| | - Sean Hopkins
- Washington State Department of Ecology, Lacey, USA
| | - Edward J. Kasner
- Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Meg A. Krawchuk
- Dept. of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Krenz
- Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Jamie M. Lydersen
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento, USA
| | - Miriam E. Marlier
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | | | - Susan J. Prichard
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Claire L. Schollaert
- Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | | | - Jens T. Stevens
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Christopher W. Tessum
- Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, USA
| | - Carolyn Reeb-Whitaker
- Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater, USA
| | - Joseph L. Wilkins
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Howard University, Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Leah M. Wood
- Evan’s School of Public Policy and Governance and The Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | | | - June T. Spector
- Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
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Shellington EM, Nguyen PDM, Rideout K, Barn P, Lewis A, Baillie M, Lutz S, Allen RW, Yao J, Carlsten C, Henderson SB. Public Health Messaging for Wildfire Smoke: Cast a Wide Net. Front Public Health 2022; 10:773428. [PMID: 35646797 PMCID: PMC9132092 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.773428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildfire smoke events are increasing in British Columbia (BC), Canada and environmental and public health agencies are responsible for communicating the health-related risks and mitigation strategies. To evaluate and identify opportunities for improving public communications about wildfire smoke and associated health risks we collaborated with end-users and developed a 32-question online survey. The survey was deployed province-wide from 29 September to 31 December 2020 following a severe wildfire smoke episode, which impacted large parts of BC. Using a convenience sample, we disseminated the survey through email lists, radio advertisements, a provincial research platform, and snowball methods. There were 757 respondents, who were generally representative of provincial demographics. Respondents indicated that they receive wildfire smoke messages from diverse sources, including: websites, social media, radio, and television. Radio was identified as the most important source of information for populations that may have increased exposure or health risks, including Indigenous respondents and those working in the trades. Respondents with lower educational attainment expressed that messaging should be simplified. Environmental and public health agencies should continue to share wildfire smoke messages using diverse methods, ideally tailoring the messages and methods to specific populations at risk for exposure and health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Shellington
- Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Phuong D M Nguyen
- Environmental Health Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen Rideout
- Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Prabjit Barn
- Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anna Lewis
- Port Alberni Air Quality Council, Port Alberni, BC, Canada
| | - Margaret Baillie
- Community Stakeholder Committee, Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sue Lutz
- Community Stakeholder Committee, Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan W Allen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Jiayun Yao
- British Columbia Observatory for Population and Public Health, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher Carlsten
- Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah B Henderson
- Environmental Health Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Postma JM, Odom-Maryon T, Rappold AG, Haverkamp H, Amiri S, Bindler R, Whicker J, Walden V. Promoting risk reduction among young adults with asthma during wildfire smoke: A feasibility study. Public Health Nurs 2022; 39:405-414. [PMID: 34636066 PMCID: PMC8930445 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary impact, and functionality of two risk reduction mobile application (app) interventions on asthma outcomes as compared to a control arm during wildfire season. DESIGN Three-arm, 8-week randomized clinical trial. SAMPLE Sixty-seven young adults with asthma were enrolled. MEASUREMENTS The Asthma Control Test, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ) and the System Usability Scale were measured at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. The Research Attitude Scale was administered at 8 weeks. Twenty participants from the two intervention arms completed an optional survey and six were interviewed after completing the study. INTERVENTION Both intervention arms could access Smoke Sense Urbanova, an app that supports reducing risks from breathing wildfire smoke. The Smoke Sense Urbanova Plus arm also monitored their daily FEV1 , received air quality notifications, and accessed preventive tips and a message board. RESULTS Most participants agreed the app and spirometer were usable and their privacy and confidentiality were maintained. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Participant-identified recommendations will support intervention refinement and testing. This research supports asthma self-management tools that public health nurses and community health workers can recommend for at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Marie Postma
- Professor, Associate Dean for Research, Washington State University College of Nursing, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Tamara Odom-Maryon
- Research Professor, Washington State University College of Nursing, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Ana G. Rappold
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Branch Chief, Clinical Research BranchOffice of Research and DevelopmentUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hans Haverkamp
- Associate Professor, Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Solmaz Amiri
- Assistant Research Professor, Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences, Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ross Bindler
- Research Coordinator, Washington State University College of Nursing, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | | | - Von Walden
- Professor, Washington State University Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, Pullman, Washington, 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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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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