Investigating the role of environmental pollution in urban health and ways to reduce it (Case study: Karaj city)

The expansion of cities, especially large ones, has led to the intensification of environmental pollution, and the city of Karaj is no exception. The growing pressure on the environment has resulted in various types of environmental pollution, resource degradation, and the reduction of natural spaces. Consequently, the demand for a healthy environment among Karaj residents has increased. The aim of the present study is to investigate environmental pollution in urban areas and explore solutions to reduce pollution in Karaj. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) and is applied in nature. Data were collected through library research, fieldwork, and a standardized questionnaire comprising four main indicators and 47 items. The statistical population included residents over the age of 18 in Savjbolagh, Fardis, Nazarabad, and Eshtehard. Using a simple random sampling method and the Cochran formula, a total of 400 participants were selected. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data with SPSS software. Analysis revealed that the statistical population lacks an adequate understanding of the impact of environmental pollution on urban health, indicating the need for authorities to implement strategies for pollution reduction. Results from the Friedman test showed that among the four neighborhoods studied, Fardis had the highest level of dissatisfaction (mean = 1.95), followed by Nazarabad (mean = 2.20), Savjbolagh (mean = 2.78), and Eshtehard (mean = 3.63). The environment of a region significantly affects the health and quality of life of its residents; therefore, considerable efforts must be made to reduce environmental pollution. Based on the findings, it is recommended that authorities take necessary measures, such as timely dredging of rivers, water sanitation, and increasing the number of medical centers to mitigate environmental pollution.