Perceived Air Pollution and Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

Abstract

Air pollution poses a significant global health risk, yet public awareness remains limited. This study  examines perceptions of air pollution and its health effects among adults in Multan, Pakistan. A cross sectional survey was conducted using simple random sampling, with 145 participants completing a  structured questionnaire adapted from Egondi et al. (2013). Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying  descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that 47% of participants had a low perception of air pollution  levels, while 27% rated it as average and 26% as high. Similarly, 40% had a low perception of air  pollution-related health risks, with 30% perceiving them as average and 30% as high. The most  commonly identified sources were industries (24%), cooking fuel (23%), dust (17%), and vehicle  emissions (14%). Reported health effects included cough/cold (46%), asthma (20%), and breathing  difficulties (14%), while only 2% linked air pollution to cancer. The study highlights low public  awareness of air quality and its health implications, despite a highly educated sample. The findings  emphasize the need for targeted awareness campaigns to improve understanding and encourage  preventive actions. Policymakers and healthcare professionals can use these insights to design  interventions promoting environmental responsibility. Stronger regulations and community  engagement are essential to mitigate air pollution’s adverse effects and enhance public health in  Pakistan.