From Perception to Action: Air Pollution Awareness and Behavioral Adjustments in Pregnant Women in Serbia

In regions with sustained air pollution, the adoption of protective health behaviors is critical, particularly among pregnant women-a population marked by physiological vulnerability and heightened receptivity to preventive guidance. Understanding and supporting patient-driven behavioral change requires attention to individual perception and awareness, which are shaped by socio-economic and spatial factors, as well as access to credible information. Objectives: This study investigates how pregnant women in Serbia perceive air quality, identifies determinants that influence these perceptions, and evaluates the extent and nature of behavioral adaptations undertaken to mitigate exposure-related risks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 279 pregnant women using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire. Collected data included demographic and psychosocial variables, air quality perceptions, self-reported health effects, and behavioral responses. Residential proximity to land-use attributes was assessed using GIS-based spatial analysis. Results: Most participants perceived air quality as poor (68.8%), primarily informed by unofficial sources such as mobile applications and social media. Living close to continuous urban fabric (OR = 0.180, 95% CI: 0.059-0.558, p = 0.003) and water (OR = 0.306, 95% CI: 0.127-0.738, p = 0.008) was associated with poorer perceptions, while proximity to forests (OR = 2.938, 95% CI: 1.323-6.525, p = 0.008) correlated with more favorable assessments. Despite prevalent concern, around half of respondents (50.2%) reported no behavioral modifications. Importantly, none had received guidance from healthcare professionals on the topic. Conclusions: These findings highlight critical gaps in environmental health literacy and provider engagement. Integrating tailored communication and behavioral support in existing prenatal counseling could advance health-related quality of life in this vulnerable population.