Determinants of Environmental Pollution Awareness Among University Students: A Case Study of Atatürk University

Environmental pollution has adverse effects on living organisms and contributes to a wide range of health issues in individuals. Given this reality, enhancing public awareness and knowledge regarding environmental issues is of utmost importance. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the factors influencing environmental pollution awareness levels among university students. The primary objective is to determine which components of air, radiation, and noise pollution students are most aware of and concerned about. Achieving this objective required conducting a survey through face-to-face interviews with 400 students enrolled in various departments at Atatürk University in Erzurum, Turkey. The survey was designed to collect data for an academic study and to examine the extent to which students’ understanding of environmental pollution is influenced by various sociodemographic and behavioral factors, including gender, household education level, mother’s employment status, regular breakfast and exercise habits, interest in social sciences, and daily television consumption. The findings indicate that these factors significantly shape students’ awareness of environmental pollution. Results from logistic regression analysis reveal that each of these variables exerts a statistically significant impact when considered simultaneously. Based on the study’s conclusions, it is recommended that family members serve as the primary initiators of environmental education. Furthermore, local governments should implement systematic and consistent educational programs addressing environmental pollution. Additionally, the media holds significant potential for disseminating awareness and information effectively, thereby playing a crucial role in fostering students’ environmental consciousness..