3Z: STEPWISE: Tackling Urban Air Pollution in a Low Resource Setting: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Air pollution is a global rising problem and its ill effects on human health are well established. For the first time air pollution can be found among 10 greatest risks for premature death globally. 92% of the worlds population is living in an area where the air quality does not meet the pollutant levels recommended by the “WHO air quality guidelines”. Croatia, especially the city of Zagreb is facing a rising traffic problem without a defined strategy on dealing with it and reducing its effects on human health. Stochastic action as a result of specialised scientific staff and knowledge base deficit has provided suboptimal performance.AIM: To create a framework for appropriate air pollution reduction intervention in urban environment using a combined qualitative approach.METHODS: A modified nominal group of epidemiology residents in Croatia will be used to pinpoint the main issues underlying the low efficacy of existing traffic air pollution reduction strategies. Using the results of nominal group, a ranking list of the main issues will be made, identifying the potential targets for air pollution reduction intervention. Systematic review of literature (SRL) will be conducted, using the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions, to identify existing traffic air pollution reduction interventions in urban environments. RAND-UCLA appropriateness method, using inputs from the nominal group and SRL will be used to select the most appropriate intervention for the local setting. Policy recommendation will be made to facilitate implementation of selected intervention.CONCLUSION: This project will emphasise air pollution as a greatest environmental risk for its citizens with concluding policy recommendation for air pollution reduction and individual action plan.