Uzun Süleyman Utku, Orhan Onur
Epidemiology Division, Department of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Türkiye.
Department of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Türkiye.
Int J Environ Health Res. 2024 Oct 21:1-11. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2418876.
Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue. This study evaluates microplastic pollution awareness among medical students at Pamukkale University and the factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 with 474 students from the 1st, 3rd, and 6th years, using a 26-item questionnaire, including the 14-item Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS). The mean MPAS score was 22.94 ± 3.67, reflecting moderate to high awareness. Female students ( = 0.001), prior knowledge of microplastics ( < 0.001), and concern about microplastic health risks ( < 0.001) were associated with higher awareness. Social media was the most common source of information (49.2%). Although awareness is moderate, significant gaps exist in students' understanding of microplastic health impacts. Targeted educational interventions are needed to close these gaps, empowering future healthcare professionals to address the risks of microplastic pollution.
微塑料污染是一个日益严重的环境与健康问题。本研究评估了棉花堡大学医学生对微塑料污染的认知以及影响该认知的因素。2023年6月对该校1年级、3年级和6年级的474名学生进行了一项横断面研究，采用一份包含26个条目的问卷，其中包括14个条目的微塑料污染认知量表（MPAS）。MPAS平均得分是22.94±3.67，反映出中等至高认知水平。女学生（=0.001）、对微塑料的先验知识（<0.001）以及对微塑料健康风险的担忧（<0.001）与更高的认知水平相关。社交媒体是最常见的信息来源（49.2%）。尽管认知处于中等水平，但学生对微塑料健康影响的理解仍存在显著差距。需要有针对性的教育干预来弥合这些差距，使未来的医疗专业人员有能力应对微塑料污染的风险。
