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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: air pollution, human respiratory conditions, traffic police