Measuring Environmental Health Perception Among College Students

One's knowledge, perception, and attitude are fundamental in determining how one behaves regarding environmental hazards. While science has made great strides in promoting environmental health, threats still exist, largely due to individual actions in response to potential health hazards. Undergraduate students (n = 395) emolled in an introductory Health Education course participated in an environmental health awareness survey examining knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Results indicated that there was a general lack of knowledge among participants about environmental health-related issues. In addition, it was determined that males were more likely to have positive attitudes towards issues relating to air quality and the green environment. Further analyses revealed that there was a significant relationship between age and attitudes toward issues dealing with sustainability. In addition, race/ethnicity predicted attitudes toward water quality and recycling behaviors. While students typically possessed positive attitudes toward environmental health, they engaged in non-eco-friendly behaviors. Because knowledge influences a person's attitude, and ultimately behavior, continued efforts in environmental health education should be refined.