‘Our bodies are not strong anymore’: a focus group study of health risk perception of ambient air pollution near a petrochemical industry

Okoye, Ogochukwu; Carnegie, Elaine; Mora, Luca

Abstract

Background. Ambient air pollution has persisted in less-endowed communities, resulting in exposure to unhealthy pollutants. Epidemiological studies on air pollution have been mainly quantitative, with a dearth of information on community health risk perception, a key component of risk management. Objectives. The aim of this focus group study was to illuminate the health risk perception of ambient air pollution among persons residing near a petrochemical industry. In addition, determine their perception of existing control measures and ideas for more effective control. Methods. Participants were purposively selected based on age, sex, long-term residence near a petroleum refinery and occupation. Three 90-min face-to-face focus groups and one individual interview were conducted. The moderator guided discussions using a pre-formed topic guide. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed manually and coded using NVivo software. Data analysis was conducted using reflective thematic analysis. Results. Six themes were generated namely, Negative perception of the environment, the refinery is to blame, Air pollution is seen or smelt, Air pollution is associated with health and non-health risks, Poor response to air pollution: everyone is to blame, and Government is primarily responsible for healthy air quality. The participants were not aware of the extent of air pollution health risks. Suggestions for air pollution control included regulating gas flaring, environmental health education, and incentives for community members. Conclusions. Participants perceived that their ambient air was unhealthy; however, concern about the health risks was shaped by contextual factors. The key barriers to effective mitigation were poor environmental health literacy and political factors.

Citation

Okoye, O., Carnegie, E., & Mora, L. (2023). ‘Our bodies are not strong anymore’: a focus group study of health risk perception of ambient air pollution near a petrochemical industry. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 14(7), Article 2522. https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2023.2522

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 8, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 30, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Public Health in Africa
• Electronic ISSN: 2038-9930
• Publisher: PAGEpress
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 7
• Article Number: 2522
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2023.2522
• Keywords: ambient air pollution, focus group, health risk perception, petrochemical industry, qualitative study