A survey of PM(2.5) preventive behavioral intention and related factors among community elderly in Northern Taiwan

Population aging and air pollution are global concerns. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM(2.5)) knowledge, PM(2.5) preventive attitude, and PM(2.5) preventive behavioral intention in the elderly. A cross-sectional survey design was applied in this study, including usage intention and snowball sampling. A total of 617 elderly people aged over 65 participated, and the collected data were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that the mean score of PM(2.5) knowledge of the elderly was 10.34 (79.53%) with the standard deviation (SD) of 3.42, the mean score of PM(2.5) preventive attitude was 4.58 (91.60%) with SD of 0.49, and the mean score of PM(2.5) preventive behavioral intention was 4.72 (94.40%) with SD of 0.40. Elderly people's characteristics regarding PM(2.5) knowledge and PM(2.5) preventive attitude explained 22% (adjusted R(2) = 0.22, F = 30.44, P < .001) of the variance in PM(2.5) preventive behavioral intention. It is concluded that we found no difference in PM(2.5) knowledge, PM(2.5) preventive attitude, or PM(2.5) preventive behavioral intention among the elderly with or without chronic diseases. In our opinion, health education regarding the threat of PM(2.5) to the health of the elderly should be strengthened, to enhance their knowledge, preventive attitude, and preventive behavioral intention of PM(2.5).