Abstract:
Air pollution is a problem in urban dwellings worldwide; it is ranked 7th among the 19
leading risk factors for global mortality. Air pollution exposure in humans increases the
risk of respiratory conditions such as, asthma, cardiovascular disease and metabolic
diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Traffic police officers are at higher risk since they are
continuously exposed to emissions from passing vehicles in addition to the generally
polluted air by other sources. The main objective of this study was to assess the
knowledge, attitudes, and practices of traffic police officers towards outdoor air pollution
exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Makindye division Kampala district,
employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Majority (95.1%) of
traffic officers were aware of at least one source of air pollution; 3.7% had suffered from
pollution-related diseases; and, 4.9% had Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Knowledge on sources of outdoor air pollution and health effects of outdoor air pollution
was high among traffic police officers. Most traffic officers were not sure whether outdoor
air pollution was a serious problem requiring immediate attention. The study recommends
that traffic police officers should be provided with appropriate PPE, and sensitized on the
dangers of air pollutants.
