Urban And Rural Inequality In Knowledge, Attitude And Practice On Haze Pollution Episode In Klang Valley, Malaysia
- Author:
Vethanayagam James N
;
How V.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Urban-Rural;
Knowledge Attitude and Practice;
Inequality;
Haze
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2017;Special Volume(1):157-162
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Transboundary haze occurred was primarily derived from seasonal forest fires which has highly been
concerned of the health effect on the local community. As awareness of the source and dangers of smoke haze
spread, Malaysian government increa
singly came under pressure from the public and civil society at the national,
state, and district level to address the haze issues. However, the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)
inequalities of urban and rural community could be a barrier in promoti
ng awareness on haze. Objective: To
determine the urban and rural inequality in KAP on haze. Methodology: A total of 400 urban and rural residents from
Klang Valley was recruited to participate in this study. A validated survey form was used as the study i
nstrument
which composed of four parts: (1) Sociodemographic information, (2) Haze knowledge, (3) Attitude (concerns) during
haze episodes, (4) Practices (protective behaviors) to prevent against the health effects of haze. Result: There were
significant d
ifferences of KAP on transboundary haze among urban
-
rural population. Urban population has higher
knowledge and protective behaviors on hazes; however, both the rural
-
urban residents presented moderate levels of
concerns on hazes. Conclusion: It is necessa
ry to provide timely information (knowledge and practices) on haze to
rural residents, at the same time, improve the urban residents’ concerns (attitudes) over the haze phenomenon. This
will help to raise the overall awareness level to transboundary haze b
y translating into a state of the resilient
community.
- Full text:P020170720434492919608.pdf
