Assessment of Air Pollution Associated Self-Reported Symptoms on General Population of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the air pollution-associated self-reported symptoms among the general population of Rawalpindi and
Islamabad.

Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at Pak Emirates Military Hospital & Combined Military Hospital,
Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Nov 2021 to Apr 2022.

Methodology: The data was collected using a pre-formed questionnaire and was distributed among the general population that reported to Pak Emirates Military Hospital and Combined Military Hospital OPD, Rawalpindi Pakistan and the students of varying colleges of Islamabad and Rawalpindi Pakistan. People were thoroughly explained about the content and the purpose of our study. The data was collected after their consent and were told about their right to fill whole or part of the form and that they can withdraw or drop out of the study at any point. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 23.

Results: Mean age of the population was 29.41±12.41 years. The physical effects were categorized according to their scores as mild 54(21.3%), moderate 122(48.2%) and severe 77(30.4%). About 150(50.8%) participants reported positive behavioral and psychological effects of air pollution. About 160(63.4%) people reported that they’ve been using preventive measures to avoid the air pollution associated health effects. While 174(68.8%) people had sufficient awareness regarding air pollution and its effects (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The general population of Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported significant physical, and psychological, behavioral effects of air pollution. An association was found between occupation and physical effects of air pollution. Psychological effects like aggressive behavior and anxiety were found to have association with occupation. Facemask was found the most prevalent preventive measure. Participants had sufficient knowledge about air pollution and effects.