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.