A Survey on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Lebanese Physicians Regarding Air Pollution

Hazem I. Assi, Paul Meouchy, Ahmad El Mahmoud, Angela Massouh, Maroun Bou Zerdan, Ibrahim Alameh, Nathalie Chamseddine, Houry Kazarian, Salah Zeineldine, Najat A. Saliba and Samar Noureddine
Additional contact information
Hazem I. Assi: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Paul Meouchy: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Ahmad El Mahmoud: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Angela Massouh: Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Maroun Bou Zerdan: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Ibrahim Alameh: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Nathalie Chamseddine: Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Houry Kazarian: Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Salah Zeineldine: Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Najat A. Saliba: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
Samar Noureddine: Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-18

Abstract: Introduction: Air pollution imposes a significant burden on public health. It is emerging as a modifiable risk factor for cancer, diabetes, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese physicians regarding air pollution. Methods: This observational study uses a descriptive cross-sectional correlational design. The data were collected using a self-administered online survey that was sent to 874 potential respondents who are members of the Lebanese Order of Physicians. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. Results: The results show a deficiency in the knowledge of physicians regarding many sources of air pollution, including dust, the smell of perfume, candles, vacuum cleaners, air fresheners, electronic cigarettes, etc. The majority of physicians agree that air pollution increases the risk of several health problems. Only 38% of physicians routinely ask their patients about exposure to air pollution, and 75% of them believe that they have a role as physicians in reducing air pollution levels. Over half of the sample are confident in counseling their patients on sources of air pollution, and two thirds of them are in support of including assessment of air pollution exposure during regular medical visits. Conclusion: Air pollution levels are progressively increasing over time. Given the health impact of exposure to air pollution, healthcare professionals need to stay up to date on this topic. The results of this study suggest the need for continuing education about air pollution for physicians and developing guidelines for what exactly to ask patients in assessing their exposure.

Keywords: air pollution; physicians; Lebanon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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