Breakdown the impact of air pollution along with socio-economic factors on public health using people perceptions: A case study of Rourkela, India

Introduction: The effect of air ambient pollution on human health is a widely discussed subject among environmental experts and socio-economists worldwide. Despite a large number of research being conducted on the topic, the relationship between public health and air quality in Indian cities remains questionable. The study was carried out to assess the impact of air pollution on the health of people of different socio-economic section of the society. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the residents of Rourkela city who were exposed to air pollution, and the logistic regression model was applied. Results: The findings revealed that human health is significantly impacted by air pollution in terms of flu/fever (46%), runny nose/cold (36 %) and others respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The individuals who were breathing in polluted air were 10.65 times more likely to have gotten sick from air pollution (β=2.37; SE=0.33; p<0.01) when compared to the people who were not breathing in polluted air. In contrast, a rise of one unit in the AQI in Rourkela corresponds to an 8.4% higher chance of being ill due to air pollution-related diseases (β=0.08; SE=0.02; p˂0.01). A high, rising linear trend (R2=0.67) of mortality by major air pollution-related diseases was also recorded in Rourkela during the period of 2016–2022. Hence, it is evidenced that rising AQI values correspond to rising health hazards associated with air pollution in Rourkela. Conclusion: The study's conclusions offer a thorough understanding of the negative impacts of air pollution, locals' perceptions of it, and the practical ramifications for local government when assessing more efficient approaches for reducing pollution.