Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Ill Effects of Smog and its Prevention among Residents of Delhi NCR

Background: Smog is an ongoing severe air pollution event in the New Delhi and the adjoining region of the national capital territory of India. On November 7, 2017 the pm 2.5 levels in Delhi shot up to 999, much above the recommended 60 g/m3. It has been reported as one of the worst levels of air quality in Delhi NCR since 1999. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the ill effects of smog and its prevention among the residents of selected areas of Delhi NCR and to find out the association of knowledge regarding the ill effects of smog and its prevention with the selected demographic variables of residents of selected areas of Delhi NCR. Methods and Material: A non-experimental descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 100 residents of selected areas of Delhi NCR. A self-structured knowledge questionnaire was developed for data collection. Convenience sampling technique was used. The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean percentage of overall knowledge score was 45.06 %. Majority of the subjects i. e.49 % were having moderately adequate knowledge, 17 % had poor knowledge and 34 % had adequate knowledge. The mean percentage of overall attitude score was 80.14 %. Majority of the subjects i. e.63 % had favorable attitude and 37 % had unfavorable attitude. The mean percentage of overall practice score was 62.13 %. Majority of the subjects i. e.64 % had ineffective practices and 36 % had effective practices. Conclusion: This study concludes that although the knowledge among residents of Delhi NCR is moderately adequate and they have favorable attitude toward ill effects of smog and its prevention but still people are not showing effective practices to combat the issue of smog. So, the information booklet was distributed with the view that it will improve the practices of residents of Delhi NCR.