Public perceptions of air pollution and associated health risks in Nevada, USA: applications for health communication

ABSTRACT

Background

We examine the extent to which acute and chronic health conditions motivate individuals to seek air quality information. We apply the theoretical elements of the Health Belief Model (HBM) to improve risk communication about ambient air pollution. We discuss the practical applications of HBM, in tandem with the principles of health communication, within an environmental health context.

Methods

We test the predictive power of selected components related to the HBM (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and cues to action) for intentions to seek information about ambient air quality. We surveyed 325 individuals throughout Nevada where poor air quality poses a risk for vulnerable populations.

Results

Ordinal logistic regression analyses showed that experiencing mucous membrane symptoms (eye itching, nose irritation, and dry throat/cough), perceived severity to future health threats, and having an at-risk member in the household positively and significantly predicted intentions to seek air quality information. Experiencing neuropsychological symptoms (fatigue, feeling heavy-headed, and nausea/dizziness), and having a cardiovascular or a respiratory condition did not have significant effects on reported intentions.

Conclusions

We discuss how the results of this study can be integrated into health communication practices to increase public engagement with air quality information as a personal intervention measure.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic disease
• environmental health
• air pollution
• health belief model
• information seeking behavior
• risk communication
• environmental communication
• population health‌

Disclaimer statements

Ethics disclosure This study was reviewed by The University of Nevada, Reno IRB on 4/11/2018 and granted the project a DETERMINATION OF EXEMPT STATUS (IRB decision/reference number 1210995-1).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude for the financial assistance provided, which enabled us to carry out this study.

Author contributions

Conceptualization and design (ZA and LC), data analysis and interpretation (ZA), writing and original draft preparation (ZA and LC), review and editing (ZA and LC).

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by The Center for Advanced Media Studies at the Reynolds School of Journalism.

Notes on contributors

Zeynep Altinay

Zeynep Altinay is an assistant professor of data visualization in the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno. She pursues research in risk communication and public perceptions of environmental hazards. Zeynep received her master’s degree in Environmental Science from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She received her doctorate degree in Media & Public Affairs from the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University.

Laura Crosswell

Laura Crosswell is an associate professor in the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno. She also holds a joint appointment with the Nevada School of Medicine. Laura earned her doctorate degree in Media & Public Affairs from the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University. As a media scholar, Laura focuses on persuasive health communication and the implications of message framing in relation to citizenry, society, and human behavior.