Air Quality Perceptions, Awareness, and Associated Behaviors Among U.S. Adults With and Without Heart Disease

Abstract

IntroductionExposure to ambient air pollution can worsen cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Strategies to reduce air pollution exposure can therefore help prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to assess awareness among U.S. adults of the effect of air pollution on cardiovascular health and actions individuals can take to reduce their air pollution exposure. MethodsIn May–July 2022, 4,156 adults responded to the summer wave of the 2022 ConsumerStyles survey and self-reported their heart disease status and perceptions, awareness, and behaviors about ambient air pollution and health. In 2023, the data were analyzed to generate weighted population estimates representative of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Associations between heart disease and responses about perceptions, awareness, and behaviors were estimated using binomial and multinomial regression methods for weighted data. ResultsOverall, 90% of the weighted population estimate of U.S. adults reported that air pollution can impact a person's health and 44% reported that air pollution can cause or worsen heart disease. Percentages of adults reporting that air pollution can impact a person's health (prevalence ratio=1.09, 95% CI=1.06, 1.12) and that air pollution can cause or worsen heart disease (prevalence ratio=1.28, 95% CI=1.08, 1.51) were higher among adults with than without heart disease. ConclusionsLess than half of U.S. adults are aware that air pollution affects heart disease. Improvements in awareness of the effect of air pollution on cardiovascular health and strategies to reduce exposure could help protect individuals with heart disease.