Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards indoor air pollution among households in Ndeija Subcounty, Rwampara District

Abstract

Introduction Globally, it is estimated that 2.8 billion people rely on solid fuels (coal and biomass) for cooking and heating. In Rwampara District, over 89% of households use solid fuels as the primary source of energy indoors. This exposes the household members to harmful effects of incomplete combustion of solid fuels which leads to excessive morbidity and mortality among women and children. Therefore, the findings of this study will provide evidence-based information on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Indoor Air Pollution in the district and influence policy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the community knowledge, attitude and practices on Indoor Air Pollution in Ndeija Sub- County Rwampara District. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling was used to select study participants for quantitative study and qualitative study respectively. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires developed from reviewed literature. Data was entered in Epi Data 3.02 software then exported to STATA version 2014 software for analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed manually-after transcribing the recorded data from the key informants. Results Of the 30.9% (81) participants who had ever heard about effects due to solid fuel smoke, radios 48.1% (39) were the major sources of information followed by friends 21.0% (17). As majority 72.9% (191) thought that IAP is not a big threat in Uganda. Half 51.5% (135) of the study participants used improved fire place for cooking followed by 34.4% (90) a three stone fire place. Household members are not provided with adequate information on IAP from solid fuels. Meanwhile alternative sources of fuel which produce less/no smoke are expensive and hard to find in a rural setting. Conclusion Awareness and attitudes towards health effects of indoor air pollution and measures to reduce it were low while the practices were fairly good among most of the community members