Open waste burning contrary to other air pollution-related perceptions and practices in Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pokhara, Nepal between February 3 and 12, 2018 to determine whether air pollution-related perceptions led to a reduction in open burning of waste. Of the 394 people interviewed, 58.3% expressed their concerns about health risks due to air quality. Multiple logistic regression identified that perceived health risk (AOR, 5.70; 95% CI, 3.44–9.45) was a significant predictor of refraining from actions that increase air pollution. While 90.6% of people used trash lorry to dispose domestic waste, 40.6% treated domestic waste by open burning. Unexpectedly, a high level of perceived health risks (AOR 1.72; 95% CI, 1.02–2.91), a high rated contribution of open waste burning to air pollution (AOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06–2.78), and frequent refraining from actions that increase air pollution (AOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.08–2.94) were significant predictors of frequent open waste burning. The results implied urgent need for improvement in waste collection efficiency and raising awareness of health risks of open waste burning.