title: Community perceptions of air pollution and related health risks in Nairobi slums.
abstract: Air pollution is among the leading global risks for mortality and responsible for increasing risk for chronic diseases. Community perceptions on exposure are critical in determining people's response and acceptance of related policies. Therefore, understanding people' perception is critical in informing the design of appropriate intervention measures. The aim of this paper was to establish levels and associations between perceived pollution and health risk perception among slum residents. A cross-sectional study of 5,317 individuals aged 35+ years was conducted in two slums of Nairobi. Association of perceived score and individual characteristics was assessed using linear regression. Spatial variation in the perceived levels was determined through hot spot analysis using ArcGIS. The average perceived air pollution level was higher among residents in Viwandani compared to those in Korogocho. Perceived air pollution level was positively associated with perceived health risks. The majority of respondents were exposed to air pollution in their place of work with 66% exposed to at least two sources of air pollution. Less than 20% of the respondents in both areas mentioned sources related to indoor pollution. The perceived air pollution level and related health risks in the study community were low among the residents indicating the need for promoting awareness on air pollution sources and related health risks.
authors.affiliation: African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787, Nairobi 00100, Kenya. tegondi@aphrc.org.
authors.forename: Thaddaeus
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Egondi
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kyobutungi
authors.forename: Nawi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Kanyiva
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Muindi
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oti
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: van de Vijver
authors.forename: Remare
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ettarh
authors.forename: Joacim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rocklöv
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012307:Risk Factors