Assessment of Auto-rickshaw Drivers Knowledge Regarding the Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Its Prevention

Abstract

Background: Air pollution is the major environmental pollution that contains different types of gases, dust particles, small molecules, etc. Air pollution is mainly caused by smoke or other harmful gases, such as oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. Auto-rickshaw drivers are not only affected by air pollution, they are exposed to climatic changes, and. poor road conditions. They are exposed to air pollution, dust, infected droplets, job insecurity, noise pollution and vibration, business demands, damage to their vehicles, and, schedule-related pressure. Drivers also have the responsibility of their passengers and pedestrians- ‘lives and other vehicles. The objective of the study is to analyze knowledge among auto-rickshaw drivers regarding the health effects of air pollution and its prevention. Methods: An observational research methodology, a cross-sectional research design was used to perform this analysis. Probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from auto-rickshaw drivers based on the health effects of air pollution and its prevention utilizing structured questionnaires. The sample attributes have been defined by frequency, percentage, after data collection. The Chi-square test was also used to figure out the correlation between knowledge and specified demographic variables. Results: The findings show that 1.67% of auto-rickshaw drivers had an average level of knowledge score, 38.33% of them were having good and 60 % of them were having an excellent level of knowledge score and none of them were found to have a very poor level of knowledge. The minimum knowledge score was 7 and the maximum knowledge score was 14. Hence it indicates that auto-rickshaw drivers have good knowledge about the effect of air pollution and their prevention. Conclusions: The study shows that the auto-rickshaw drivers having good knowledge about air pollution to the management of respiratory diseases and along with their complications as well as to take the required measures to avoid respiratory complications.