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

Author

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  • Santiago Rendon-Marin

    (Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín 050012, Colombia)

  • Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez

    (Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín 050012, Colombia
    Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia)

  • Diana Maryory Gomez-Gallego

    (Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín 050012, Colombia)

Abstract

Background: Air pollution has emerged as a global public health concern. Specifically, in Medellín, Colombia, episodes of elevated air pollution have been documented. Medical students’ knowledge of air pollution is paramount for implementing future interventions directed toward patients. The aim of this research was to delineate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution among medical students at a private university in Medellín. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 352 medical students was conducted. A questionnaire was administered, generating scores ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score signified better knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Data were analyzed using frequencies, summary measures, non-parametric tests, and linear regression. Results : In total, 31% rated the education received at the university on the relationship between health and air quality as fair to poor, and 81% perceived the air quality in the city as poor. The knowledge score was 77.8 (IQR 71.1–85.6), with 90% acknowledging that exposure to air pollution increases the risk of various diseases. The attitudes score was 82.1 (IQR 71.8–87.2), and 25.9% believed that air pollution is a multifactorial problem, rendering their actions ineffective. In terms of practices, the score was 50 (IQR 42.9–57.1), indicating that students either did not employ protective measures against pollution or used inappropriate practices such as masks or air purifiers. Regression analysis revealed no association between knowledge and practices. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore that medical students possess commendable knowledge regarding the health effects of air pollution. However, their adoption of inappropriate practices for self-protection is evident. The lack of correlation between knowledge and practices highlights the necessity of educational initiatives to be complemented by regulatory and cultural interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Santiago Rendon-Marin & Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez & Diana Maryory Gomez-Gallego, 2024. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Air Pollution among Medical Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:789-:d:1416446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Serena Lidia Colombo & Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella & Antonino Raffone & Luca Simione, 2023. "Understanding the Environmental Attitude-Behaviour Gap: The Moderating Role of Dispositional Mindfulness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-12, April.
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