Perceptions of air pollution, health and COVID in ethnic minority communities in White City, West London

“This study will investigate the extent marginalised communities, such as ethnic minorities and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, perceive a relationship between indoor/outdoor air pollution and its associated adverse health effects and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this relationship?

The empirical evidence gathered from this research can contribute to understandings on the acceptability, engagement, and impact of current governmental and non-governmental efforts to address the air pollution problem. The outcomes of this research can be used to inform local administrators, public health officers and non-governmental bodies on the development of strategies to engage with communities to communicate about air pollution and stimulate changes in behaviour to reduce exposure.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the apparent use of face masks, the avoidance of public transport, and the adoption of social distancing practices have resulted in people thinking more about the air quality. This increased awareness has created perceived connections between COVID, air pollution and health. Empirical evidence is required to assess how COVID has influenced people’s perceptions of air quality and the nature of these perceived connections. Understanding the perceptions of ethnic minorities on air pollution is important as these may influence behavioural practices and lifestyle choices that directly impact the health and well-being of these disadvantaged communities.

The fieldwork for this research will employ a mixed methodology comprising qualitative and quantitative techniques, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaire surveys. Beyond standard gathering data methods, the student will also experiment with more innovative and creative ways for data gathering that may be better suited for engaging with diverse communities. The aim of adopting this mixed methodology is to achieve an in-depth understanding of people’s perceptions and the reasoning behind them and reach a suitable sample of people while looking for associations between perceptions and other possible variables.”

PI:  Dr Diana Varaden