Level of Awareness about Air Pollution among Decision-makers in Jordan: Unveiling Important COPD Etiology

Pharmacy Practice

  • Nasr Alrabadi1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
  • Ahmad R. Alsayed2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931-166, Jordan.
  • Rami Saadeh3Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
  • Khalid Jameel AL Loze4Department of Forensic and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
  • Mukhallad Aljanabi5Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
  • Ashraf M. Al-Khamaiseh6Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931-166, Jordan.

Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 1-8

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2024.1.2926

Abstract

Purpose: The complete awareness of policymakers about air pollution can play a significant role in dealing with this environmental threat. This study aimed to examine the awareness and perception among the policymakers regarding air pollution in Jordan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Jordan. The participants included in this study were governmental and non-governmental officials from different sectors. An interview and questionnaire were used to examine the extent of knowledge of these decision-makers regarding air pollution types, sources, and threats. Results: Most participants acknowledged that air pollution in Jordan was a huge problem. Most participants (90%) were familiar with the term air pollution, and regularly read about different contaminants that cause air pollution. However, most of the participants had a low level of knowledge about air contaminant types in Jordan. The least known pollutants were PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5 microns in width) and PM10 (Particulate Matter 10 microns in width). Only 7.5% of the participants knew about PM2.5, while 12.5% knew about PM10. Conclusion: Policymakers have the full authority to initiate and implement policies that intend to limit air pollution. Their complete awareness of air pollution can result in conducting certain protocols to approve new policies and legislations that can improve the air quality in Jordan. Unfortunately, no previous studies were conducted to analyze policymakers' knowledge regarding air pollution in Jordan, and this study's results hoped to reflect the importance of air pollutants and their greater significance on public health.

Keywords

  • air pollution
  • COPD
  • knowledge
  • policymakers
  • middle east
Pharmacy Practice

Loading…