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An Assessment of the Multidimensional Drivers and Determinants of Public Risk Perception of and Behaviors Related to Exposure to Air Pollution in Serbia

Author

Listed:
  • Gorica Stanojević

    (Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Slavica Malinović-Milićević

    (Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Nina B. Ćurčić

    (Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Milan Radovanović

    (Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Aleksandar Radivojević

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

  • Teodora Popović

    (Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Srećko Ćurčić

    (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

This study investigates factors contributing to public perception of and behaviors related to air pollution in Serbia. A range of multidimensional indicators, including demographic and socioeconomic features, health status data, and living environment factors, were utilized to evaluate observed awareness and exposure activities. Air pollution is a serious health concern in many areas of Serbia, particularly during the cold season when emissions from the heating sector contribute to high levels of particulate matter. In the period from March to May 2023, a nationwide survey was conducted to gather empirical data and insights that can assist policymakers in the creation of public-health strategies. A set of research questions included the perception of air-pollution impact and citizens’ responses to eight pre-defined exposure-reduction activities. Statistical procedures (a chi-square test of independence, a Mann–Whitney U test, and a Kruskal–Wallis H test) were applied to isolate driving factors in the public response to increased air-pollution levels. The findings suggest a “gap” between risk understanding and risk-reducing behaviors. To address this issue and to ensure that regulations are implemented effectively, it is crucial to prioritize education, develop communication strategies, increase local interventions, and target vulnerable population groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Gorica Stanojević & Slavica Malinović-Milićević & Nina B. Ćurčić & Milan Radovanović & Aleksandar Radivojević & Teodora Popović & Srećko Ćurčić, 2023. "An Assessment of the Multidimensional Drivers and Determinants of Public Risk Perception of and Behaviors Related to Exposure to Air Pollution in Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16901-:d:1301355
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dalia M. Muñoz-Pizza & Mariana Villada-Canela & M. A. Reyna & José Luis Texcalac-Sangrador & Jesús Serrano-Lomelin & Álvaro Osornio-Vargas, 2020. "Assessing the Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Air Pollution Levels on the Public Perception of Local Air Quality in a Mexico-US Border City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-22, June.
    2. Nuno Canha & Ana Rita Justino & Carla A. Gamelas & Susana Marta Almeida, 2022. "Citizens’ Perception on Air Quality in Portugal—How Concern Motivates Awareness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-17, October.
    3. Xiaojun Liu & Hui Zhu & Yongxin Hu & Sha Feng & Yuanyuan Chu & Yanyan Wu & Chiyu Wang & Yuxuan Zhang & Zhaokang Yuan & Yuanan Lu, 2016. "Public’s Health Risk Awareness on Urban Air Pollution in Chinese Megacities: The Cases of Shanghai, Wuhan and Nanchang," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-14, August.
    4. Yulin Guo & Fengfeng Liu & Yuanan Lu & Zongfu Mao & Hanson Lu & Yanyan Wu & Yuanyuan Chu & Lichen Yu & Yisi Liu & Meng Ren & Na Li & Xi Chen & Hao Xiang, 2016. "Factors Affecting Parent’s Perception on Air Quality—From the Individual to the Community Level," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-14, May.
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