Introduction
Among U.S. adolescents, the knowledge that air pollution can impact health is relatively
high and varies by the demographics of the respondents and the places they live, but
the influence of asthma status is unknown. This study assesses the role of asthma
in U.S. adolescents’ awareness, perceptions, and behaviors related to air pollution.
Methods
In 2020, data were analyzed from 817 adolescents aged 12–17 years who responded to
the 2020 Porter Novelli Public Services YouthStyles survey, a nationally representative
survey of U.S. adolescents. Respondents self-reported having or having had asthma
in the past year and their awareness, perceptions, and behaviors related to air pollution.
For each aspect of air quality awareness, perception, and behavior, weighted percentages
of responses were calculated by asthma status.
Results
Overall, an estimated 11.5% of U.S. adolescents self-reported asthma. Awareness that
air pollution can impact health, awareness that respondents can limit their air pollution
exposure, and having heard or read about air quality alerts were similar among adolescents
with and without asthma, with some differences reported in where they heard or read
about air quality alerts. Those with asthma reported discussing with a health professional
about ways to limit exposure more frequently than those without asthma.
Conclusions
Despite the well-known risk of asthma exacerbations from air pollution exposure, air
quality awareness was similar among adolescents with and without asthma. These findings
reveal the areas in which air quality awareness and behaviors to reduce exposure can
be improved among adolescents with and without asthma.
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REFERENCES
- Outdoor air quality awareness, perceptions, and behaviors among U.S. children aged 12-17 years, 2015-2018.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 882-887https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.07.040
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 03, 2021
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
