Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of an integrated health care educational program on several behavioral changes related to environmental health among Laotian students. Students in the experimental group received education concerning environmental health-related issues, including air pollution and chemical exposure. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-tests were conducted for the statistical analysis of the pre- and post-survey scores. The post-test scores of the experimental group regarding their risk perception and information-seeking behaviors towards air pollution and chemical exposure were higher than those of the control group after controlling for the pre-test scores. Moreover, in the experimental group, the girls’ risk perception scores significantly increased after receiving the education, which was not observed in the control group. The risk perception score among non-drinking students also significantly increased after the program. These results indicate that the education program effectively enhanced the students’ risk perception, especially that of girls and nondelinquent students.
Highlights
Air pollution accounts for the greatest burden of disease worldwide [1]
We developed an environmental health education textbook regarding air pollution and chemical use based on educational materials from the Korean Environmental Education Portal and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s training modules to address a range of environmental and health issues that have an impact on children [15,16]
We found that risk perception significantly increased after the program among the girls in the experimental group, whereas no significant increase was observed among the girls in the control group (Figure 1)
Summary
Health risks related to indoor and outdoor air pollution are likely to be greatest in cities in developing countries, where risks are especially associated with solid fuel combustion and gasoline consumption [2]. Steady economic growth and a rapid increase in the number of vehicles have contributed to air pollution in Laos [3]. Laos has many sources of chemical exposure, including pesticides, industrial by-products, chemicals used in plastics, and persistent organic pollutants. These substances are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are compounds that mimic or interfere with the normal actions of the endocrine hormones in the human body. Exposure to multiple chemicals may help increase the prevalence
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