Outdoor Air Pollution Exposure: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Traffic Police Officers in Makindye Division, Kampala City

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.