Smog and Health in Punjab: Analyzing Awareness, Protective Behaviors, and Public Support for Air Quality Policies

Muhammad Haris Khan Khattak; Shumaila Khan; Ayesha Sajjad

doi:10.35484/ahss.2024(5-IV)28

Authors

Muhammad Haris Khan Khattak Research Assistant at the Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) and MPH Scholar in the Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Shumaila Khan Research Assistant at the Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) and MPH Scholar in the Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Ayesha Sajjad MS Clinical Psychology, University of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35484/ahss.2024(5-IV)28

Keywords:

Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Health Effects, Policy Support, Protective Behaviors, Public Perception, Punjab, Smog, Urban-Rural Differences

Abstract

The primary purpose of the study is to measure public awareness of smog and its health risks; determine actions taken against smog; and determine levels of public support for air quality policies. It consisted of a quantitative survey. In the peak smog season (September through November), a structured questionnaire was employed to survey 800 participants. Awareness of smog and health risks was higher among urban residents than among rural residents. Those in urban populations were also most likely to adopt protective behavior such as wearing face masks and using air purifiers. More people in urban areas reported respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing than in rural areas. There was high public support for government action to reduce smog. To reduce the harmful effects of smog and improve air quality from the future both, government action and public awareness efforts will be important.