2026-09-22T05:40:37Zhttps://repository.unam.edu.na/server/oai/requestoai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/41482025-10-04T22:01:10Zcom_11070_3438com_11070_3321com_11070_3307col_11070_1211
Alfeius, A.
Itumba, Laudika
2025-09-30T08:59:36Z
2025-09-30T08:59:36Z
2025
http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4148
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health
Air pollution remains a significant global health threat, disproportionately affecting
vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, across all continents.
HPs are often responsible for monitoring air quality and implementing guidelines to
safeguard public health. This study assessed the environmental health practitioners'
awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding ambient air pollution and its associated
health effects in Namibia. Using a quantitative cross-sectional analytical design, data
were collected from 66 out of 76 environmental health practitioners across all 14 Regions
of Namibia, yielding an 86.8% response rate. A validated online questionnaire was used.
Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. The results showed that about 6.7% of
participants were aware of AAP and its associated health effects. Regarding attitudes,
59% of the respondents had a negative attitude towards AAP. 9 % always participated in
preventative activities regarding AAP, while 66.7% indicated that they never got involved
in awareness campaigns. There was a strong negative correlation (-0.71) between the
awareness and attitudes towards AAP, and a weak negative correlation (-0.20) between
the awareness and practices indicating that higher awareness of AAP does not lead to
greater engagement. A weak positive correlation (0.30) between attitudes and practices
implies that positive attitudes may encourage greater involvement with AAP prevention
strategies. Demographic factors such as age, gender, education, and experience did not
significantly influence EHPs’ attitudes toward ambient air pollution (AAP), highlighting
the greater impact of systemic barriers like limited resources and unclear policies.
Majority of EHPs did not prioritise AAP prevention strategies due to insufficient training
and infrastructure. The study recommends continuous professional development and
clear guidelines to better equip EHPs in addressing air pollution effectively
en
University of Namibia
Ambient air
Ambient air pollution
Attitudes
Awareness
Environmental health practitioner
Pollution
Practices
Namibia
University of Namibia
Assessment of awareness, attitudes, and practices of environmental health practitioners regarding ambient air pollution and its associated health effects in Namibia
Thesisopen.access