Knowledge, attitudes and practices of roadside vendors on outdoor air pollution exposure in central business area, Kampala city central division, Uganda

Abstract

Air pollution is ranked among the leading risk factors for global morbidity and mortality. Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of respiratory conditions such as asthma, as well as cardiovascular illnesses and metabolic diseases. Roadside vendors are at a heightened risk of exposure to ambient air pollution from various sources especially vehicle emissions during periods of high traffic on roads. The study therefore assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices of roadside vendors on outdoor air pollution exposure in Kampala central business area. This was a quantitative study that employed 397 participants among roadside vendors in Central Division, Kampala City. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic information, alongside questions regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices towards outdoor air pollution exposure. Data was analyzed using STATA 14 software and employed univariate analysis. Most respondents were female 219/397 (55%), with a mean age of 32.1 years. Most of the respondents 185/397 (46%) were married, with the majority 220/397 (55%) having attained secondary level, but very few (37/397) 9.3% had obtained higher education from university and other tertiary institutions. The majority of respondents had good knowledge on outdoor air pollution 332/397 (84%). Many of the respondents had fair attitudes towards outdoor air pollution exposure 218/397 (55%). Specifically, 334/397 (84%) thought that they were at risk of outdoor air pollution exposure during work hours, 339/397 (85%) believed that outdoor air pollution exposure needed urgent attention, and 288/397 (73%) agreed that personal protective equipment reduces outdoor air pollution exposure. The majority of respondents were involved in unfavourable practices such as working for long (between 13-16) hours 280/397 (71%) and during heavy traffic hours 334/397 (84%) because of more customers present during those periods 236/397 (59%). Many of the roadside vendors had good knowledge and fair attitudes towards outdoor air pollution. However, practices especially those to reduce exposure to outdoor air pollution were poor. There is a need for increased awareness and positive behavioural change programmes such as health campaigns on outdoor air pollution among roadside vendors in Kampala.