Evaluation and relation of determinants of risk perception in the resident population living near industrially contaminated sites

Abstract

The association between industrial pollution and human health is of high importance for public health. Living near industrially contaminated sites (ICSs) and being exposed to increasing concentrations of environmental pollutants along with disadvantaged social and economic conditions result in an increased occurrence of diseases. There are 16 identified industrially contaminated sites in the Republic of North Macedonia, and of all of them, chemical industry AD OHIS - Skopje and lindane dump located near the plant, according to almost all categorizations,has been evaluated to pose the highest level of ecological and health risk, although there has been no recent evidence about these issues. The main aim of this study was to obtain general information about risk perception of resident population living around and near AD OHIS in the Skopje region. Methods: A standardized and modified questionnaire was sent to the participants in an electronic form by e-mail and was published on social networks and municipalities’ web sites. The responses to the questionnaire were given anonymously and voluntarily. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods with calculating central tendency parameters and analytical statistical methods with correlation and Pearson χ2 test and independent sample test. Results: During the observation period, 220 people responded to the survey, with female respondents being predominant (70%). Analysis showed that there was no significant difference between genders regarding risk perception. According to Likert scale, with 95% CI, among anthropogenic sources, respondents stated they were extremely worried about air pollution and very worried or worried about water pollution, noise, waste and dangerous industry. The diseases that trigger a response of greater concern were those related to allergies, respiratory diseases and cancer. Age, education and information related to ecological risks significantly influenced on judgement of the environmental conditions in the living area of resident population (p<0.05). Conclusions: Investigation results showed that resident population in the exposed Skopje region has a high level of perception and is susceptible to ecological risks by anthropogenic and natural influence. There is a direct relationship between exposureand environmental health impact. Also, sociоeconomic characteristics (gender, age, education) and cognitive factors have influence on risk perception level.