The Link between Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Relation to Atmospheric Haze Pollution in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Transboundary haze episodes caused by seasonal forest fires have become a recurrent phenomenon in Southeast Asia, with serious environmental, economic, and public health implications. Here we present a cross-sectional survey conducted among people in Kuala Lumpur and surrounds to assess the links between knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to the transboundary haze episodes. Of 305 respondents, 125 were amateur athletes participating in a duathlon event and the remainder were surveyed in an inner-city shopping mall. Across the whole sample, people who possessed more factual information about the haze phenomenon showed significantly higher levels of concern. Duathletes were more knowledgeable than non-duathletes and also more concerned about the negative effects of haze, especially on health. For all people who regularly practice outdoor sports (including people interviewed at the shopping mall), higher levels of knowledge and concerned attitudes translated into a greater likelihood of engaging in protective practices, such as cancelling their outdoor training sessions, while those with greater knowledge were more likely to check the relevant air pollution index on a daily basis. Our results indicate that the provision of accurate and timely information about air quality to residents will translate into beneficial practices, at least among particularly exposed individuals, such as amateur athletes who regularly practice outdoor sports.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of tertiary education students in regard to air pollution in Windhoek, Namibia: a cross sectional study

“…This study found that there was a statistical significant association between the knowledge, behaviour, and attitudes regarding air pollution (P-values >0.05). Increased air pollution awareness among community members can lead to early acceptance of air pollution policies, and interventions as well as a willingness to take protective measures [30,31].…”

“…Willingness to participate in air pollution interventions was shown by almost all respondedts (>90), who were willing to take action which could lead to a reduction in air pollution effects. The roles of an individual in the fight against air pollution were found to be crucial in China [31].…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of tertiary education students in regard to air pollution in Windhoek, Namibia: a cross sectional study

“…This study found that there was a statistical significant association between knowledge, behaviour, and attitudes regarding air pollution (P-values > 0.05). Increased air pollution awareness among community members can lead to early acceptance of air pollution policies, and interventions as well as a willingness to take protective measures [30,31].…”

Commuting on Public Transport: Health Risks and Responses

“…Nevertheless, a review of the literature found that, in many megacities in China and India, as well as Malaysia, despite heightened air pollution, on the whole, there are still substantial important knowledge gaps among the population regarding causes, effects on health, and prevention practices that need considerable attention [25][26][27]. Efforts are needed from around rapidly developing cities in Asian regions affected by air pollution to set goal-bridging gaps and advance the population's knowledge about air pollutants and health outcomes and, most importantly, on pollution prevention practices that reduce or eliminate risks.…”