Air quality and health education to increase knowledge and encourage health protective behaviour among older adults in Hamilton, Canada

Air pollution exposure is detrimental to population health and particularly to older adults (≥65 years of age) who are considered part of the “at-risk” population. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides air quality and health information such that the public can implement health protective behaviour and decrease exposure to outdoor air pollution. The AQHI education session for older adults aims to increase knowledge, encourage use of the AQHI, and gain a better understanding of how at-risk populations self-identify. An AQHI education session was delivered face-to-face to older adults living independently in Hamilton, Canada. A pre- and post-test questionnaire with both quantitative and qualitative questions was administered to measure knowledge and intention to use AQHI. A total of 62 participants attended the education session and completed the pre- and post-test questionnaire. Results of a paired t test indicated a statistically significant difference in pre- and post-test knowledge (p <0.05). Aft...