Parents’ perception of air pollution and the impact of air pollution on the health and development of children aged 0-5 years

Abstract

Globally, air pollution is one of most urgent contemporary challenges where children are especially vulnerable when breathes polluted air because of their physiological immaturity. Since parents are the key to their children's safety, raising parents’ awareness is essential to taking protective action for children against polluted air. This study explored the perception of parents of children aged 0-5 years on air pollution and the impact of air pollution on the health the development of children. To understand parents’ knowledge, awareness and concern, a quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 118 parents in urban Dhaka of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was developed and through online modality data was collected using purposive sampling. Findings show that parents are well aware of air pollution and its immediate health risks such as, respiratory problems and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, parents were less familiar with the long-term health and developmental impacts of air pollution like, heart diseases, diabetes, cognitive impairment, mental health challenges in adulthood. Despite this, an overwhelming parents expressed serious concern and strong willingness to engage in public awareness initiative. They also seemed very worried about the current poor air quality of their area and showed interest in raising more public awareness on this critical issue.