Public Perception Research Articles

Public perception and knowledge on air pollution and its health effects in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Air pollution is a significant global issue that affects human well-being. This study investigated the knowledge and perception of air pollution among the population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A survey was conducted in Makkah between December 2023 and April 2024 to investigate public knowledge and perception about air pollution and its impact on adverse health effects. The study population consisted of patients admitted to hospitals in Makkah. A total of 1022 respondents, aged between 15 and 66 years, completed an online standardized questionnaire. Questions related to demographic characteristics, including age and gender, were also included in the questionnaire. The findings demonstrated increased concern over air pollution as the majority of respondents, 77% (787), considered air pollution a significant environmental health issue in Makkah. Natural dust was identified as the main source of air pollution in Makkah among 51% (211) men and 45% (268) women, followed by transportation, as reported by 36% (215) women and 34% (143) men. Fifty-one percent (296) of respondents aged above 36 years believed that air pollution could impact their health compared to 49% (216) of the study subjects aged between 15 and 35 years. The most common health effect reported by the respondents associated with exposure to air pollution was bronchitis 41% (419), followed by asthma 38% (388), and heart disease 26% (266). The study outcomes show that most of the study respondents have considerable knowledge about air pollution and perceive air quality as a significant health concern. Implementing sustainable strategies and comprehensive awareness campaigns to mitigate health impacts associated with air pollution in Makkah is recommended. Implications: As the first study of its kind in Makkah, this research provides crucial baseline data on public perception of air pollution and its health impacts. The findings highlight gaps in awareness and emphasise the need for targeted health education and policy interventions to improve environmental health literacy and reduce exposure risks.

Examining critical assumptions in global conservation practice.

The ability of conservation practitioners to design and implement successful conservation projects and scale up positive outcomes depends in large part on their ability to make accurate assumptions about the social and ecological contexts in which their projects operate. To understand the types of assumptions characterizing conservation practice and strategy, we examined 300 assumptions identified by conservation practitioners in project workshops at The Nature Conservancy, a large environmental nongovernmental organization, as being critical to the success of their conservation projects. We identified 7 conservation assumption themes (public attitudes and perceptions; capacity and resources; economic and behavioral factors; government, politics, and policy; impacts and scalability; knowledge and evidence; and organizational or internal factors), which primarily relate to the human dimensions of conservation (e.g., values, human behavior, relationships, policy, and politics). The conservation assumptions focused predominantly on project-level and place-based matters, rather than on the root causes of conservation problems. For people- and equity-centered conservation approaches, our findings suggest that conservation teams should systematically engage with areas of elevated uncertainty and should especially focus on axiomatic assumptions made about the broader contexts in which conservation projects operate. These insights can inform effective project design and adaptive learning and can directly improve project success.

A Community Based Intervention Study on Public Awareness and Perception Towards Reporting of Adverse Drug Reaction in Dakshina Kannada

The present study was aimed to asses the knowledge, attitude and practice in handling ADR, to find the reason behind under-reporting of ADR, to educate community about importance of ADR reporting and also to analyse the impact of education on ADR reporting. A survey-based study was conducted for a period of 6 months among the general public of Dakshina Kannada. A total of 300 participants were completed the questionnaire and participate in the study. Based on knowledge participants were scored and score <6 (150) were grouped as intervention group further they were subcategorized as control and treatment 75 each. Intervention study was carried using PIL and video after the interval of 1 month re- administered same questionnaire to check the impact pharmacist intervention regarding ADR and its management. Majority (68%) of the participants were unaware about the term ADR, 31% believe that all the drugs available in the market are safe, 28.6% were unsure where to report ADR. Although 79.66% of the participants believe that ADR is harmful but 95.3% of them have not reported the suspected ADR. When enquiring reasons for not reporting not sure about ADR (65.52%), not sure where to report (11.54%), thinking that ADR reporting is not necessary, legal liability issues and fear of consequences were expressed. After intervention majority 78.66% of the participants were willing to report ADR, there was a significant improvement in the knowledge among the participants regarding ADR and its management was observed. The study concludes that there was a significant improvement in the knowledge among the participants after the intervention and majority of participants were in willing to report ADR but there is a requirement of public sensitization in this regard so the concern authorities need to impose more effort on increasing the public awareness towards the ADR handling through campaigns and public awareness programs, also a brief information about ADR can be included in text books in school level.

FRAMING ANALYSIS OF NICKEL MINING NEWS IN RAJA AMPAT: KOMPAS.COM AND CNN INDONESIA

This study examines the framing analysis of news coverage on nickel mining in Raja Ampat by two Indonesian online media outlets: Kompas.com and CNN Indonesia. The research investigates how each platform constructs and presents news regarding the controversial nickel mining plans and operations in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. The unit of analysis consists of selected news articles published by CNN Indonesia and Kompas.com. These sources were chosen as primary data to understand the media’s role in shaping public perception. The nickel mining project in Raja Ampat has sparked widespread opposition from various sectors, including environmental activists, academics, tourism stakeholders, and religious leaders. This resistance is driven by concerns over the potential environmental degradation threatening both marine and terrestrial ecosystems in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Utilizing Robert Entman’s framing analysis method, the findings reveal that both media outlets acknowledge the mining project’s potential to harm ecological integrity and undermine sustainable tourism. However, CNN Indonesia emphasizes the role of the state in improving policy through strategic masterplan development, while Kompas.com highlights the need to evaluate mining permits, impose temporary halts on extractive operations, and strengthen community participation in protecting ecologically sensitive areas

Transforming IT: Public Perceptions of Generative Pre-Trained Transformers

Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) represent one of the most transformative technological advancements of the 21st century. These powerful language models offer rapid problem-solving capabilities, reducing the time and effort traditionally required to perform various computational and troubleshooting tasks. However, their increasing integration into workflows raises critical questions about their impact on the information technology (IT) profession. Specifically, this paper explores whether GPTs will significantly alter the roles and skill requirements of IT professionals. A survey of 40 participants was conducted to assess perceptions of GPT adoption and its implications for the future of IT-related careers. The findings suggest that while many acknowledge the transformative potential of GPTs, a substantial number of individuals have yet to utilize these tools to their full capacity. The study concludes that GPTs are poised to reshape societal expectations of IT work, necessitating ongoing adaptation and reskilling within the field.

Impact of video information intervention on public perceptions of waste-to-energy incineration facilities: An information processing theory perspective.

Impact of video information intervention on public perceptions of waste-to-energy incineration facilities: An information processing theory perspective.

International Patterns in Public Perceptions and Hesitancy Towards a Combined COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination: A Scoping Review of Five Studies

Introduction: COVID-19 and influenza are viruses that have been major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While a combination vaccine for these two viruses is currently in development, little is known about public perceptions and attitudes towards such a vaccine. Therefore, we have aimed to conduct a scoping review to evaluate the attitudes and reasons for the acceptance/rejection of a combination COVID-19 and influenza vaccination. Material and Methods: Our review has followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Search terms included those on COVID-19, influenza, and combination vaccines. Searches were conducted in a total of 10 different databases, as follows: Embase, Global Health, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Results: Searches across all databases produced a total of 1763 results, of which five studies were deemed to be eligible for this review. Data from included studies encompassed a total of 20,581 participants across 14 countries. Generally, participants had favorable views towards a combination vaccine. However, attitudes varied by region, demographics, and prior vaccine exposure. Reasons provided for accepting a combination vaccine include low cost, reasonable effectiveness, fewer injections, and higher safety. However, reasons for rejection of a potential combination vaccine include a potential lack of evidence and studies regarding its effectiveness and a fear of possible side effects. Conclusions: There are generally positive attitudes and perceptions towards a combination vaccination for COVID-19 and influenza, and there are also specific segments of populations that may show hesitancy towards such a vaccine. Vaccination delivery programs should clearly demonstrate that these vaccines are safe and must concurrently address false rumors and misinformation. Ensuring that as many people as possible can receive the vaccination without barriers via equity in access should be a public health priority. It is also important to recognize the limitations of this work, especially that the review was limited to five studies, the majority of which were cross-sectional and relied on self-reporting.

Light Pollution Beyond the Visible: Insights from People’s Perspectives

Light pollution, most visible in large cities through the absence of star-filled night skies, has become a growing issue of concern across many disciplines. It is not just an esthetic or astronomical problem, but a complex phenomenon with widespread effects on various sectors. The scientific literature highlights several key areas impacted either directly or indirectly by light pollution: astronomy, ecology and biodiversity, the environment and climate change, human health and well-being, the ongoing energy crisis, economy, tourism, public safety and security, and finally politics. A survey was conducted to explore two main objectives. The first was to evaluate public awareness of light pollution, particularly how individuals perceive its impact across different societal sectors. The second objective was to consult lighting experts to obtain detailed insights into how severely each sector is affected by light pollution. The data collected from both the general public and lighting experts were analyzed and compared to provide a clearer picture of light pollution’s actual consequences. This dual-perspective approach aims to identify potential gaps between public perception and expert knowledge. Understanding these gaps is essential for shaping effective awareness campaigns and informing policy decisions. Ultimately, this research serves as a foundational step toward prioritizing mitigation strategies. By aligning scientific data with social understanding, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions that reduce light pollution’s negative effects while promoting sustainable lighting practices for the future.

Some statistical aspects of the Covid-19 response

Abstract This paper discusses some statistical aspects of the U.K. Covid-19 pandemic response, focussing particularly on cases where we believe that a statistically questionable approach or presentation has had a substantial impact on public perception, or government policy, or both. We discuss the presentation of statistics relating to Covid risk, and the risk of the response measures, arguing that biases tended to operate in opposite directions, overplaying Covid risk and underplaying the response risks. We also discuss some issues around presentation of life loss data, excess deaths and the use of case data. The consequences of neglect of most individual variability from epidemic models, alongside the consequences of some other statistically important omissions are also covered. Finally the evidence for full stay at home lockdowns having been necessary to reverse waves of infection is examined, with new analyses provided for a number of European countries.

Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and public perceptions: A systematic literature review

Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and public perceptions: A systematic literature review

Public perception and VSC-HVDC power transmission adoption: Experiences and lessons learned from past cases

Public perception and VSC-HVDC power transmission adoption: Experiences and lessons learned from past cases

Illness perceptions, fear, and COVID-19 protective behaviours: the mediating role of health literacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected both the behaviour and the mental health of people and made the decision-making process on health subjects a difficult task. Based on the Common-Sense Model, the current study aimed to investigate and document the public's perceptions of COVID-19, examine the relationship between health literacy, fear of COVID-19, and illness perceptions and explore their role in the adoption of protective behaviours. Data from 330 adults were collected through an electronic questionnaire, including the Perceived Stress Scale, the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire, the European Health Literacy Questionnaire-16, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and items related to socio-demographic characteristics, protective behaviours and experience of illness. The results show that increased fear was correlated to more dysfunctional perceptions and increased adherence to protective behaviours (mask use and intention to vaccinate). Increased health literacy was correlated to more functional perceptions and higher intention to use masks, but not to get vaccinated. Health literacy was a significant mediator in the relationship between fear and illness perceptions and between fear and protective behaviours. The results could be useful for promoting public health risk prevention. Targeting strategies for managing negative emotions and enhancing health literacy could be an important step toward more functional illness perceptions and health behaviours.

Pharmacist Portrayals in Film and Television Media Between 2013 and 2023.

Pharmacist Portrayals in Film and Television Media Between 2013 and 2023.

Peer-to-peer residential charger sharing: Exploring public perceptions in California

Peer-to-peer residential charger sharing: Exploring public perceptions in California

Transforming Governance Through Citizen Charters at the Rural Level: People’s Perception of Public Service Delivery

Launching citizen charters in 2000, Bangladesh's Public Administration Reform Commission (PARC) set off a governance reform aimed at enhancing public sector accountability. Where have these developments in rural governance found expression? In this research, the rural local government Trishal Upazila Parishad (TUP) exhibits optimistic developments as well as continuous problems with charter implementation. A complicated public perception was found by quantitative analysis of 200 randomly selected service recipients. Public acceptance has been given the Parishad's scholarship programs for academic achievers, upgraded sanitary facilities, focused women's development aid, solar energy facilities, and self-employment projects. Although these developments were noteworthy, many respondents avoided evaluating particular initiatives, therefore highlighting widespread knowledge gaps in resources. Public worries about service delays, ongoing corruption, personnel apathy, isolation from decision-making, political influence, and bribes were more alarming. Statistical investigation revealed demographic traits linked with satisfaction, therefore pointing out systematic disparities in service delivery. For those in local government, these findings are very important. This paper provides evidence-based guidance for measures that can make the TUP more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centered as Bangladesh works on administrative reform.

Public perceptions of finance options for retrofit shared-loop ground source heat pumps

Public perceptions of finance options for retrofit shared-loop ground source heat pumps

Non-specific diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal conditions foster positive views about prognosis and non-invasive management but require clear explanation: a systematic review.

What are patient and public perceptions of diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal pain? How do these labels influence beliefs, emotions and treatment preferences? Systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. People with musculoskeletal pain or people presented with hypothetical vignettes of musculoskeletal pain. Diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal pain. Patient/public perceptions of diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal pain and the influence of these labels on beliefs, emotions and treatment preferences. Four major themes emerged. First, patients strongly valued diagnoses to validate their pain and guide treatment. Second, poor diagnostic explanations and use of medical jargon led to patient frustration and confusion. Third, specific diagnostic labels were validating but promoted fear and a biomedical view of pain, whereas non-specific labels were associated with less fear but higher confusion. Fourth, non-specific labels led to more positive views towards prognosis and non-invasive management but led some patients to believe that further investigations were needed. Patients have a strong desire for a diagnosis and may prefer specific diagnostic labels, but these can lead to patient harm. Non-specific labels, while less threatening, require clear explanations to avoid confusion. CRD42024592437.

The Legal and Diplomatic Implications of France’s Security Disengagement from the Sahel: A Case Studies of Niger, Mali, and Burkina-Faso, 2021–2024

This study critically explored the shifting landscape of diplomacy, security cooperation, and foreign policy realignment in Niger, Mali, and Burkina-Faso following France’s military withdrawal from the Sahel region. The study is justified by the need to examine emerging geopolitical realignments amid growing anti-French sentiments and increasing regional security challenges. The core problem addressed lies in understanding the implications of France’s exit on regional stability and the rise of new partnerships, particularly with Russia and regional bodies like ECOWAS. The research was guided by four objectives and corresponding questions, focusing on public perception of France’s withdrawal, the regional security outlook, the realignment of foreign alliances, and the impact on diplomatic relations. Grounded in dependency theory, the study explained how colonial and neo-colonial dynamics have influenced present-day diplomatic orientations and the shift toward sovereign-led partnerships. The scope covered selected urban populations across the three countries. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a total sample of 750 participants, with 250 respondents from each country. Data analysis revealed growing public discontent with France’s presence, increased support for Russian involvement, and a desire for regionally-driven security solutions. Despite fears of a security vacuum, the study found a strong preference for post-colonial autonomy and diplomatic diversification. Recommendations include strengthening regional security mechanisms, promoting sovereign foreign policy decisions, investing in local capacity, and critically monitoring new alliances. In conclusion, the study highlighted the transformative potential of the Sahel’s diplomatic trajectory, stressing the need for localized solutions and sustainable international relations beyond traditional colonial legacies.

Who is to blame for AV crashes? Public perceptions of blame attribution using text mining based on social media

Who is to blame for AV crashes? Public perceptions of blame attribution using text mining based on social media

Visual Justice and the Aesthetic Construction of the Trial

This article explores the concept of visual justice—the aesthetic and symbolic construction of justice in courtroom films and television—and its impact on public legal consciousness when its tropes and dynamics are used in journalistic discourse. While legal dramas do not claim to represent judicial reality, they shape cultural expectations through narrative coherence, emotional legibility, and moral clarity. As these visual tropes migrate from fiction into journalism, particularly in the phenomenon of “trial by media”, they risk distorting public understanding of how justice operates in practice. We argue that when real trials fail to align with the aesthetic script popularized by cinematic representation and inappropriately adopted in the practice of reportage, public trust in the judiciary may erode. This article bridges legal theory, media studies, and aesthetics to interrogate the ethical and epistemic consequences of representing law as image. Keywords: visual justice; legal aesthetics; trial by media; judicial representation; public perception of law.