Air Pollution Risk Perception and Protective Health Behaviors among Urban Residents in Pakistan: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jrsr/2026.v.iii.217Keywords:
Air Pollution, Risk Perception, Protective Health Behavior, PM2.5, Smog, Urban Residents, Protection Motivation Theory, PakistanAbstract
The current study explores the inter correlations between risk appraisal, coping beliefs, knowledge of smog, trust in information sources and protective health behavior. The study utilized survey data gathered from adult population of Lahore city in residential, commercial and industrial areas through convenience sampling during the peak smog season. Knowledge, information trust, threat severity, threat vulnerability, response-efficacy, self-efficacy, and protective behavior were measured by a structured questionnaire. The theoretical base for differences in people's reactions to an identical environmental threat is Protection Motivation Theory. Results indicate that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, response efficacy, and control are factors that lead to self-protective behavior. Knowledge and trust also underpin the appraisal process which results in protective action. The study demonstrates that air-quality communication needs to be clear, credible, and “easy to do” and focus on the health risk, as well as practical actions that residents can take. Individual protection should be suggested as long-term measures for emission reduction and better urban air quality.
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