Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Air Pollution among Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Air pollution is a significant global health issue, with notable episodes in Medellín, Colombia.
• Medical students' understanding of air pollution is crucial for patient interventions.
• This study focuses on medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution in Medellín.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students concerning air pollution.
• To identify gaps in understanding and protective behaviors among future healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 352 medical students at a private university in Medellín.
• A questionnaire was used to gather data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to air pollution.
• Statistical analyses included frequencies, summary measures, non-parametric tests, and linear regression.

Main Results:

• 90% of students recognized air pollution's link to increased disease risk, with a knowledge score of 77.8.
• Attitudes scores were high (82.1), but 25.9% felt individual actions were ineffective.
• Practice scores were low (50), with many students using inappropriate protective measures against air pollution.

Conclusions:

• Medical students demonstrate good knowledge of air pollution's health effects but exhibit poor self-protective practices.
• A disconnect exists between knowledge and practice, indicating a need for improved interventions.
• Educational programs must be combined with regulatory and cultural strategies to enhance protective behaviors.