Predictors of environmental health protective actions

Background: Health effects of environmental health hazards may be reduced by actions which people take to either reduce source hazards (e.g., pressuring neighborhood polluters) or to limit exposures (e.g., covering lead paint). This presentation analyzes predictors of environmental health actions in a community sample. Method: A cross-sectional survey (n=433) was conducted in a community with diverse environmental health hazards. Measures included five indicators derived from the Environmental Health Engagement Profile (Pollution Sensitivity Scale, Pollution-Causes-Illness Scale, Pollution Acceptance Scale, Personal Environmental Action Scale, and Community Environmental Action Scale), as well as measures of Goodness of Life, Interpersonal Bonding and Community Involvements. The scales measuring personal and community action were combined into a Total Environmental Action Scale, which was then used as the dependent variable in regression analysis, with independent variables entered via four, theoretically determined, steps. Results: The regression equation identified five variables as significant predictors of Total Environmental Action—Pollution-Causes-Illness Scale (t=9.3, p<.001), Pollution Acceptance Scale (t=-3.3, p, <.01), Goodness of Life Scale (t=4.5, p<.001), Interpersonal Bonding Scale (t=2.5, p<.05), and Community Involvement Scale (t=5.6, p<.001). Pollution Sensitivity Scale, which reflects awareness of environmental health issues in one's neighborhood, was entered first (based on theory), but was no longer a significant predictor, once other variables were entered. Discussion: Results indicate that tendency to take action varies with personal characteristics, including assumptions about pollution and health, an optimistic life perspective, and connections to others. These findings may inform design of nursing and other public health interventions for promoting environmental health.