A Survey on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Lebanese Physicians Regarding Air Pollution

Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution imposes a significant burden on public health. It is emerging as a modifiable risk factor for cancer, diabetes, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese physicians regarding air pollution. Methods: This observational study uses a descriptive cross-sectional correlational design. The data were collected using a self-administered online survey that was sent to 874 potential respondents who are members of the Lebanese Order of Physicians. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. Results: The results show a deficiency in the knowledge of physicians regarding many sources of air pollution, including dust, the smell of perfume, candles, vacuum cleaners, air fresheners, electronic cigarettes, etc. The majority of physicians agree that air pollution increases the risk of several health problems. Only 38% of physicians routinely ask their patients about exposure to air pollution, and 75% of them believe that they have a role as physicians in reducing air pollution levels. Over half of the sample are confident in counseling their patients on sources of air pollution, and two thirds of them are in support of including assessment of air pollution exposure during regular medical visits. Conclusion: Air pollution levels are progressively increasing over time. Given the health impact of exposure to air pollution, healthcare professionals need to stay up to date on this topic. The results of this study suggest the need for continuing education about air pollution for physicians and developing guidelines for what exactly to ask patients in assessing their exposure.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Air Pollution among Medical Students

“…However, despite this awareness, four out of five medical students considered an ineffective measure, such as wearing face masks, helpful in reducing pollution’s harmful effects. This high level of knowledge aligns with other studies conducted in different populations, such as China, Ghana, Lebanon, the United States, Kuwait, Namibia, and Ireland, where a widespread acknowledgment of the hazards of air pollution was observed [ 29 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Regarding protective measures, studies have demonstrated that masks, especially N95 respirators, provide adequate protection approximately 74% of the time the respirator is worn, with a significant dependence on the type of respirator.…”

“…There is a consensus that if society were better informed about the link between poor air quality and adverse health outcomes and were aware of actions that could mitigate pollution, individual, societal, and policy changes could be prompted [ 37 ]. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in supporting these actions, starting with being well-informed about air pollution sources and then incorporating this knowledge into their practice and daily patient interactions [ 29 ].…”

“…Based on information gathered from other KAP studies on air pollution [ 29 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], an initial questionnaire was designed to assess the variables of interest. This questionnaire consisted of 71 questions, which underwent refinement through expert reviews and pilot testing, leading to the development of the final instrument.…”

“…On the one hand, they can advocate for public policies to prevent or mitigate the risks of air pollution to human health. On a clinical level, they can inform and raise awareness among patients about these risks and appropriate strategies for protection [ 28 , 29 ]. Therefore, physicians and medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution are fundamental for implementing counseling programs for the general population on this topic.…”

“…Data from KAP-type surveys are essential in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a program or strategy, as well as in identifying knowledge gaps, cultural beliefs, or behavioral patterns that may facilitate or hinder the success of that strategy [ 30 ]. Although multiple publications of this nature, conducted with physicians and healthcare professionals, assessing their preparedness, knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding pollution, climate change in general, and their impacts on health [ 28 , 29 , 31 , 32 ], exist globally, there is a notable absence of similar research conducted on medical students in the city of Medellín, Colombia, despite the significance that this issue holds for future physicians in this city. Thus, the present study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution among medical students in Medellín.…”