Characteristics of Taiwanese adults with inadequate indoor air pollution health literacy

Abstract

Objectives: We used the Indoor Air Pollution Health Literacy (IAPHL) model to determine the characteristics of Taiwanese adults with inadequate health literacy regarding indoor pollution. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data on the characteristics of Taiwanese participants aged ≥20 years through online questionnaires based on the IAPHL model. The responses were analyzed and categorized by region, gender, and age group of the interviewees as of April 2020. The characteristics of the participants with inadequate IAPHL (i.e., less than the median score) were described by using decision tree. Results: In total, 616 out of 647 questionnaires were included in the analysis after weighting. The decision tree model revealed that 67.5% (158/234) of Taiwanese citizens had inadequate IAPHL. Furthermore, 36% of the participants lacked information on indoor air pollution at their workplace or home. Conclusions: This study found occupation type and a lack of knowledge regarding indoor air pollution at the workplace are key predictors of inadequate IAPHL. These findings suggest that IAPHL can be better improved through the use of occupation specific educational materials for adults in Taiwan.