A survey of PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention and related factors among community elderly in Northern Taiwan

Abstract

Population aging and air pollution are global concerns. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) knowledge, PM2.5 preventive attitude, and PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention in the elderly.A cross-sectional survey design was applied in this study, including usage intention and snowball sampling. A total of 617 elderly people aged over 65 participated, and the collected data were quantitatively analyzed.The results showed that the mean score of PM2.5 knowledge of the elderly was 10.34 (79.53%) with the standard deviation (SD) of 3.42, the mean score of PM2.5 preventive attitude was 4.58 (91.60%) with SD of 0.49, and the mean score of PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention was 4.72 (94.40%) with SD of 0.40. Elderly people's characteristics regarding PM2.5 knowledge and PM2.5 preventive attitude explained 22% (adjusted R2 = 0.22, F = 30.44, P < .001) of the variance in PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention.It is concluded that we found no difference in PM2.5 knowledge, PM2.5 preventive attitude, or PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention among the elderly with or without chronic diseases. In our opinion, health education regarding the threat of PM2.5 to the health of the elderly should be strengthened, to enhance their knowledge, preventive attitude, and preventive behavioral intention of PM2.5.

Environmental Health Literacy Regarding Fine Particulate Matter and Related Factors Among Village Health Volunteers in Upper Northern Thailand

“…The first section collected general demographic information about the participants, covering variables such as geographic area of residence, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, occupation, underlying diseases, allergies, frequency of annual health check-ups, years of experience as VHVs, primary language, household size, monthly family income, perceived adequacy of family income, and local air pollution issues. The inclusion of these particular factors was informed by prior academic research [ 13 , 17 , 22 - 24 , 26 , 27 ], which ensured their relevance to the context of this study and contributed to its overall validity and applicability.…”

“…Previous studies in various countries have thoroughly investigated PM 2.5 health literacy assessments at both the national level and within specific populations, employing research tools designed to meet their respective objectives [ 17 , 22 - 25 ]. Several factors have been identified as key determinants influencing different aspects of EHL; however, not all factors have shown significant correlations [ 13 , 17 , 22 - 24 , 26 , 27 ]. EHL has the potential to enable VHVs to lead community environmental management efforts, enhancing awareness and promoting effective collaboration [ 13 , 19 ].…”

Searching for New Human Behavior Model in the Climate Change Age: Analyzing the Impact of Risk Perception and Government Factors on Intention–Action Consistency in Particulate Matter Mitigation

“…Weng et al [ 46 ] found no difference in PM2.5 knowledge, PM2.5 preventive attitudes, or PM2.5 preventive behavioral intentions among elderly individuals with or without chronic diseases. Additionally, according to Kim et al [ 3 ], knowledge has no impact on personal adaptation behavior against PM:…”