Abstract
Background: Air pollution has emerged as a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally. Raising public knowledge of the importance of air pollution exposure is crucial for implementing future interventions to improve cardiovascular health. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB) of vulnerable women and men towards the cardiovascular benefits of reducing air pollution exposure.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 602 vulnerable men and women in Ibadan, Nigeria, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Using the KAB framework, emphasis was placed on the link between air pollution exposure reduction and the burden of CVDs such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, congenital heart disease, cardiac arrest and atherosclerosis. Data were collected using a digitalised validated semi-structured questionnaire that included questions on knowledge of the link between air pollution and CVD, attitude towards reducing air pollution and behaviours related to reducing air pollution exposure. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) KAB scores were calculated and dichotomised using the median score. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Spearman’s correlation analysis and regression models at p < 0.05.
Results: Respondents’ mean age was 44.1 ± 14.0 years, and 54.2% were females. The participants’ median (IQR) knowledge score was 7.0 (2.0–8.0), with the majority, 66.9%, having poor knowledge. The median (IQR) pollution-reduction attitude score was 10.0 (3.0–16.0), with a majority (58.5%) having a negative attitude. Respondents’ median preventive behaviour score was 6.0 (1.0–11.0), and 58.6% had unsatisfactory behaviour. Awareness about air pollution was found to be associated with knowledge (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] 0.82; 95%CI: 0.57–0.97) and behaviour (aOR 0.44; 95%CI: 0.31–0.64) towards air pollution reduction.
Conclusion: The poor knowledge of the link between exposure to air pollution and CVD underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives, supported by regulatory interventions, to harness the cardiovascular health benefits of reduced exposure to air pollution in Africa.