Knowledge of Air Pollution and its Predictors among Traders in Douglas Market, Imo State, South–Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Air pollution is currently a major threat globally, particularly in a developing country such as Nigeria. With its dire implication for human health, it is imperative to study and understand the knowledge and contributory practices of the populace as key to the development of necessary intervention measures. Aims and Objectives: To assess knowledge and its predictors, also contributory practices towards air pollution among traders in Douglas Market, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross – sectional analytical design using a combination of cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 200 participants. Data was collected using a pretested semi – structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistics were computed to determine significant relationship and simple binary regression was used to determine predictors of knowledge of air pollution. The p – value was set at 0.05 significance level. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 36.2 ± 10.4 years with a slightly higher female proportion (59.0%). Almost all the respondents (97.9%) are aware of air pollution and the most common sources of information were the social media (38.8%) and the internet (23.2%). Respondents with good knowledge of air pollution in this study stood at 84.1%. Use of generators (73.5%) was the most common source of air pollution among the study participants. Factors significantly associated with knowledge of air pollution were age (p = 0.0000), marital status (p = 0.0192) and level of education (p = 0.0000). Predictors of poor knowledge of air pollution were: being within the ages of 42 – 49 years (OR: 27.33) and having non – formal education (OR: 32.50). Conclusion: There is overall good knowledge of air pollution, however there was still relatively low knowledge in the less educated and elderly populace. This should inform policy making with targeted advocacy towards the education and guidance of people to become knowledgeable about air pollution and related health risks. Also efficient generation and supply of power will reduce the use of generators.